Family Therapy used in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Question 1

What are the psychological therapies for schizophrenia?

Answer 1

-Family therapy
-CBT
-Token Economy

Question 2

What is the aim of family therapy? (for people with family dysfunction)

Answer 2

-to improve the quality of communication and interaction between family members
-It is typically offence for a period of between 3 and 12 months and at least 10 sessions and is commonly used in conjunction with routine drug treatment and outpatient clinical care

Question 3

What happens during family therapy?

Answer 3

-the therapist encourages family member to listen to each other and openly discuss problems and negotiate potential solutions together.
-The therapist may focus on decreasing the level of expressed emotion within the family, as hostility, verbal criticism and over-involvement increase the likelihood of relapse.
-If a family is over-involved in a patients life, the therapist may discuss how patient may be encouraged to act independently to reduce avolition.

Question 4

What may also be provided to the family?

Answer 4

-Psychoeducation so they can learn about schizophrenia as an illness and how they can help-
-If a family understands that hearing voices is a common symptom, they may be more likely to empathise with the patient.
-If they understand what happens during a psychotic episode, they will be more able to help avoid the triggers and know how best deal with such situations calmly.