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Working with the Families of Schizophrenic Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Julian Leff
Julian Leff*
Affiliation:
Social and Cultural Psychiatry, University of London; Medical Research Council Social and Community Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, DeCrespigny Park, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

As schizophrenia is a heterogeneous condition with a variety of possible causes, it is sensible to combine biological and social treatment. Neuroleptic drugs give partial protection against environmental stress, but need to be supplemented. The programme developed on the basis of research on relatives' expressed emotion begins with education about schizophrenia for patients and relatives. Family sessions in the home are run in parallel with a relatives' group, and are aimed at improving communication, teaching problem-solving skills, lowering criticism and overinvolvement, reducing social contact between patient and relatives, expanding social networks, and lowering expectations. Individual work with the patient is often undertaken alongside the family sessions, and includes social-skills training, anxiety management, and a cognitive approach to persistent psychotic symptoms. Therapists take a central role in coordinating the variety of services needed by patient and relatives.

Type
II. The Treatment of Schizophrenia
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 164 , Issue S23: Integrated Approach to Schizophrenia , April 1994 , pp. 71 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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