http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysfunctional_family

A dysfunctional family is a family in which conflict, misbehavior, and often abuse on the part of individual members occur continually and regularly, leading other members to accommodate such actions. Children sometimes grow up in such families with the understanding that such an arrangement is normal. Dysfunctional families are primarily a result of co-dependent adults, and may also be affected by addictions, such as substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.). Other origins include untreated mental illness, and parents emulating or over-correcting their own dysfunctional parents. In some cases, a "child-like" parent will allow the dominant parent to abuse their children.[1]


http://ukpmc.ac.uk/abstract/MED/4085615/reload=0;jsessionid=...
Engaging the severely dysfunctional family in treatment: basic considerations.

The severely dysfunctional family is a clinical phenomenon that includes families with a wide range of serious symptoms. These families have been characteristically difficult to engage in treatment, and many do not respond well to traditional family therapy techniques. Some of these families do respond to innovative approaches such as paradox. However, many agencies do not have the capability to implement such highly specialized procedures, nor do all severely dysfunctional families respond well to these techniques. Thus, this paper presents a generic approach to the severely dysfunctional family; the emphasis is on facilitating engagement and maintaining sensitivity to the family's need for stability.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/aug/04/research.secondw...

Two historians yesterday acclaimed the discovery in Germany of a journal written by Adolf Hitler's sister, saying it offers remarkable insights into the dysfunctional nature of the Führer's family.