Hidden Valley Road: Inside The Mind Of An American Family

Beskrivelse

Hidden Valley Road tells the poignant story of the Galvin family, whose twelve children included six diagnosed with schizophrenia. This gripping account reveals their struggles and the impact their experiences had on scientific research into the disease.

A compelling exploration of one family's battle with schizophrenia and its influence on medical science.

Don and Mimi Galvin appeared to embody the American dream after World War II. Don’s Air Force career took them to Colorado, where their twelve children were born across the baby boom years, from 1945 to 1965. They followed the expected path of hard work, ambition, and family life, striving for success and stability.

However, beneath the surface, the Galvins faced a very different reality. Their household was marked by psychological struggles, sudden violent episodes, and hidden abuse. By the mid-1970s, six of the ten Galvin boys were diagnosed with schizophrenia, one after another.

This extraordinary situation led the Galvins to become one of the first families studied by the National Institutes of Mental Health. Their story traces the evolution of schizophrenia science, from early treatments like lobotomy and institutionalization to the debunking of myths such as the “schizophrenogenic mother.” It also highlights ongoing debates about the illness and the hunt for genetic clues.

Unbeknownst to the family, their DNA samples contributed to decades of genetic research that still informs the search for better treatments, early diagnosis, and possibly even prevention of schizophrenia in future generations.

With empathy and insight, Robert Kolker, a bestselling and award-winning author, brings to light this unforgettable family’s legacy of pain, love, and hope.

Yderligere information