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Six Schizophrenic Brothers documentary on Max tells the story of the Galvin family, where six out of twelve siblings were diagnosed with schizophrenia. This rare and heartbreaking event raised genetic concerns for future generations.
The plot of the documentary Six Schizophrenic Brothers is about the Galvin family. Mimi and Don Galvin appeared to have a perfect life, with Don's successful career at the Air Force Academy. The peace of their household was shattered when six of their twelve sons developed schizophrenia. The documentary shows how the disease devastated each brother and the family's struggle for normalcy and understanding.
Given that the Galvin brothers have this psychological disorder, there is concern about whether the grandchildren of the family have inherited this debilitating mental illness or not. Fortunately, none of the Galvin grandchildren have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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Six Schizophrenic Brothers: How are the Galvin grandchildren doing?
The grandchildren of Mimi and Don Galvin have been spared from the affliction, despite the tragic outcomes for the six brothers. From meticulous documentation of the family's history to interviewing surviving members, Robert Kolker conducted exhaustive research.
Kolker conducted a thorough investigation. He necessitated in-depth interviews with the remaining family members, including Mimi, prior to her passing in 2017. His inquiry revealed the family's tenacity and optimism, which endured despite the formidable obstacles they encountered.
About his meeting with Mimi before she passed away, Kolker said,
“She didn’t want to talk about it. But as they (researchers) started to understand the illness better and the bad parenting theory fell away, she was empowered and gratified and validated. By the time I met her in 2016, she was very positive and upbeat.”
Kolker met with three living diagnosed brothers before Peter died. After years of medication, despite being schizophrenia patients, they were lovable and mellow. The brothers had undergone years of treatment.
Donald, living at Point of the Pines Gardens in Colorado Springs, is calm and confident, despite his grandiose delusions. Peter was in an assisted living facility near Pueblo. He was a natural performer who engaged well with his family despite severe cognitive issues. Later, he passed away.
Matthew, who has significant physical health problems, tends to be grouchier but craves family attention and love. He previously lived in Section 8 housing in Colorado Springs, though his current situation is uncertain due to health concerns.
Kolker's book, Hidden Valley Road, narrates the story of the Six Schizophrenic Brothers along with the history of schizophrenia as a medical condition. By examining the Galvin family as a case study, Kolker sheds light on the genetic aspects of schizophrenia.
He illustrates how the family’s unique genetic build contributed to the development of the disease in six siblings. It throws light to a broader perspective on the advancements in understanding and treating schizophrenia.
From 1990 to 2003, the Human Genome Project mapped all human genes and this report enabled genetic research into schizophrenia. Robert Kolker's book on the Galvin family revealed genetic insights despite early doubts about family genetics' role in schizophrenia.
As stated by Kolker in Colorado Springs Gazette, researchers studying the Galvin brothers discovered specific genetic anomalies that shed light on the disease.
Two research teams identified genetic issues in the Galvin family that helped explain schizophrenia. These findings suggested preventative measures like choline. Giving pregnant women choline may strengthen the baby's brain, making it less prone to psychosis. Genetic research is important for mental illness prevention and knowledge, as Kolker revealed.
The Six Schizophrenic Brothers documentary serves as a profound exploration of the Galvin family's struggles with mental illness. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, it answers the critical question of whether the next generation has been affected by schizophrenia.
Fortunately, the Galvin grandchildren are free from the disease, providing a glimmer of hope amidst a story of immense hardship.
Viewers can stream Six Schizophrenic Brothers on Amazon Prime.
