Hostility to Kith and Kin

Abstract

Ten male patients who shared a similar behaviour disorder have been seen. Their behaviour was characterized by extreme hostility towards close members of the family without aggressiveness towards others. The first manifestations of an increase in hostility may be acts aimed to injure or denigrate the spouse or close members of the family. The dynamics of Capgras’s syndrome may be similar. This behaviour disorder must be recognized as one of many causes of conjugal conflict. © 1975, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.