I do want to differ a little bit with you on the schizophrenia comment above. While it’s not possible for a mother to ‘catch’ it like it were a mere virus it is possible for it to be unknown, or undiagnosed. Stress is a common trigger in episodes of schizophrenia. I do believe caring for a severely autistic child could cause episodes of mental illness in a mother that had a tendency toward mental illness. I say severely autistic child because I think it is often several years before a diagnosis is ever made.

My friend unfortunately learned first hand that schizophrenia can remain undetected. She married, never knowing her husband had it. When they tragically one of their children he suddenly snapped and became a totally different person to the point that he was unsafe to be around, even making attempts on her life.

This really is an interesting study. I would love to hear more about it. I hope the press doesn’t play this as the ‘anti-Jenny’ card. I think that would make people question it right away. Unfortunately, I think our culture is more likely to believe celebrities than scientific studies…but that’s another post and it’s nothing specific to Jenny or her stand….

Jen
http://furoreandfrenzy.com
http://parents2parents.org