Family therapy + AO3

• Based on the Family Dysfunction explanation - SZ is a result of poor patterns of communication within the family (high expressed emotion)

  Aims

  • modifying social dynamics and patterns of communication in the family
  • to reduce stress and chance of relapse
• Nature of the therapy

  • group sessions, must include the WHOLE FAMILY
  • sessions last for 9 months to a year
  • involve open discussions about the patient's symptoms and behaviour, how the condition affects each family member
  • also to support the individual in managaing positive symptoms and reducing negative symtoms
• Involves

  • developing a trusing and empathetic environment for all family members
  • educating the family about SZ, inclusing recognising early signs of relapse
  • developing more constructive, less demanding ways of interacting
• Strengths

  • Leff et al
  • family therapy was compared with routine patient care (in families with high expressed emotion)
  • first 9 months of treatment: 50% recieving routine care relapsed compared to only 8% recieving family therapy
  • findings suggest it is an effective form of treatment and should be offered to individuals to help reduce their SZ symptoms
  • Cost effective
  • cheaper than standard care by £1,004 for a patient over 3 years
  • economic benefits
  • BUT generally better patient outcomes when family therapy is used in combination with medication
  • suggests an interactionist approach is more effective and most likely to produce succcessful outcomes for the individual
• Limitations

  • Very dependent on the commitment and engagement of the whole family
  • requires all family members to be involved in attending and fully participating
  • but some family members may not want to commit to it for a whole year or share sensitive information
  • = treatment is dependent on level of openness of family members
  • may not even be appropriate for certain individuals if they do not have contact with their families