You wrote
<they are concerned not only with me but also themselves regarding >
<the very real possibility they inherit the disease some time. Added >
< to this is a fear of having inherited the tendency to become >
<schizofrenic.
Dear Janice
It seems all a burden to heavy for one person. If you are sure the children
have those terrible possibilities in mind it could be the least evil to have
all the information that is available. You know maybe that PD comes to the
surface on the moment that 50-90% of the cells in the substantia nigra have
died. So, if you were for example 30 years old being diagnosed, the disease
existed already the moment you were 20. If your illness happens to be inheritid
which is more the exception than the rule, it is possible to be diagnosed now
with modern methods (proton-emission scan).
It is as far as I know never done because the disease can't be stopped and not
knowing is preferrable. But if much worying is already tormenting them knowing
can be easier. The more so if the result showes nothing is amiss with their
substantia nigra.
The next point is the schizofrenia of your husband. To my opinion this is the
most cruel disease that exists. About 20 years ago the diagnosis was more
uncritically given than is done today. Not every psychosis is schizophrenic.
Schizophrenia starts in most cases during adolescence only seldom after 25
years and very seldom after 30 years.
Maybe it would be wise to consult a specialist in human genetics who can tell
more about all sort of chances.
Maybe I told you nothing new. I think however your children and you deserve
help, and I hope you can find any.
Ida Kamphuis
HOLLAND
