TABLE 3.  Relevant information in taking a psychiatric family history

Include:

Ethnic background

Presence of consanguinity (marriage between blood relatives)

History of spontaneous abortions

Inquire specifically if siblings are full, half or adopted siblings

Marital status of individuals

Date of birth of individuals

Occupation or educational status of individuals

Treatment of psychiatric disorder, if applicable

 

Exclude:

Individuals who might not contribute to the genetic evaluation (i.e., spouses of every relative)

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published 2000