The impact of parental schizophrenia in the development of behavioral disorders and mental illness in children

Introduction Parental schizophrenia will potentially cause dysfunction in mother-child relationships, and it will also cause difficulty in adapting to motherhood. Objectives We aim to study the implications of the relationship between mothers with schizophrenia and their children. The psychosocial environment and the impact of dysfunctional relationship in social skills development may cause behavioral disorders in children and further development of severe mental illness taking into account genetic factors and biopsychosocial factors. Methods Non systematic literature review, through the Pubmed and Medline database, with time constraints. Results The development of schizophrenia is related to genetic and environmental factors. Children of parents with schizophrenia are at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorder compared to the general population. It was found early behavioral disorders, starting between 5 and 8 years old and the difficulties in social interaction may arise at this age and remain until adulthood. Conclusions It is important to assess the level of acquisition of social skills in children and families when there is a direct relationship with schizophrenia. It may be important in the future, monitorize the development of these children, as well as be aware of the surrounding social and family environment, to identify and manage early in the presence of behavioral disorders and possible development of serious mental illness. An early intervention at the level of social deficits in children can be a preventive intervention of later schizophrenia development.