[Utilisation of a group for relatives].

OBJECTIVE

Relatives of patients suffering from schizophrenia are a highly burdened group. While benefits of integrating them into routine care are internationally recognised only a fraction receive adequate interventions. The present study investigates the utilisation of an open group for relatives, variables potentially associated with it and relatives' reasons for and against its utilisation.

METHODS

147 relatives of in-patients and patients attending a day hospital where assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Family Problem Questionnaire (FPQ), the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOLBREF) and a questionnaire inquiring about the utilisation of an open group for relatives.

RESULTS

Overall, 60 relatives attended the group routinely offered at the hospital. Especially those with higher weekly contact time with patients, lower quality of life, higher subjective burden and a less positive attitude towards the patient were attenders. Important reasons to decline the offer were feelings of timidity, fear and shame, resignation and disavowal.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their high burden, relatives have reservations about professional support intended for them and they feel highly stigmatised. Successful integration of relatives into psychiatric care requires empathy and strong commitment.