[The next-to-the-last child. The significance of sibling position in psychiatric patients].

So far the sibling position "penultimate" (next to last) child has hardly been investigated. The incidence of penultimates is statistically higher that expected among neurotic and schizophrenic patients, it is supposed to be higher among female alcoholics, but not among manic depressive patients. Case studies illustrate the relationship between the penultimate position and the psychodynamic family situation. Additionally the minimal cerebral dysfunctions are considered. The theory of "'dethronement", which the penultimate child only experiences with himself but not with his siblings, is also confirmed as a life event for adult psychiatric patients. The resultant problems are interpreted in connection with family size.