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Catastrophic reaction following the separation of adult twins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Caroline Dunlop ,
Kelwyn Williams  and
Amy Holloway
Caroline Dunlop
Affiliation:
South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, Denmark Hill, London, England
Kelwyn Williams
Affiliation:
Denmark Road Day Hospital, Gloucester, England
Amy Holloway
Affiliation:
Community Mental Heath Nurse, Denmark Road Day Hospital, Gloucester, England
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Abstract

We describe a case of adult twins presenting simultaneously with profound psychological disturbance following sudden separation. Formulation is made of a catastrophic adjustment reaction manifesting as depression in one sibling and anxiety in the other. An alternative possibility of acute onset psychosis in one or both of the twins is discussed.

Keywords

TwinsTwin studiesAdjustment reactionSeparation anxietyAttachment theoryPsychosis
Type
Case report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , March 2003 , pp. 33 - 34
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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