family therapy

Question 1

what do NICE recommend

Answer 1

that individual with schizophrenia should be offered family therapy if they are in contact and or live with family
-and such intervention should be a priority where there are persistent relapses of schizophrenia

Question 2

what is the nature of family therapy

Answer 2

• typically offered of between 3-12 months and at least 10 session
• aims to reduce levels of expressed emotion within the family, as it increases the relapse rate
• Garety et al estimate the relapse rate for individual who receive family therapy is 25% compared to 50% for those who receive standard care

Question 3

what does family therapy involve

Answer 3

providing information about schizophrenia to the family, finding ways to supporting an individual with schizophrenia and resolving any practical problems

Question 4

what is evaluation for family therapy

Answer 4

• there were practical issues, because it was over a long period of time there were high drop out rates. But for those who do not drop out it is a longitudinal study which shows the long term effects.
• not everyone is willing to engage in the therapy, and so is not as useful.
• not a cure only controls symptoms, however the interactionist approach contradicts this, as if you were to bring together family therapy CBT and drug treatment, it may be a really good treatment plan.