Effects of behavioural family management on family communication and patient outcomes in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND

Family interventions for schizophrenia have proved to be highly effective in preventing relapse, but it is not clear how they work or how they should be structured.

AIMS

To examine the effects of a behavioural family intervention and a family support programme on communication, problem solving and outcome in order to determine the impact of structured communication training.

METHOD

Patients and family members participating in the Treatment Strategies in Schizophrenia study were videotaped engaging in 10-minute problem-solving conversations at baseline and after the conclusion of the family intervention. Tapes were subsequently evaluated for changes in communication patterns.

RESULTS

The intensive behavioural intervention did not produce differential improvement in communication, and change in communication was unrelated to patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that intensive behavioural family interventions may not be cost efficient, and that change in family communication patterns may only be important for a subset of families.