Some critical thoughts on expressed emotion.

After a brief description of the principal findings which emerge from the studies on expressed emotion (EE), the author puts forward a few critical thoughts based on a systemic orientation. He explains why the variable EE evaluated on the basis of the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI) does not sufficiently reflect the dynamic reality of the family interactions and, in particular, he criticizes the establishment of a linear causality relationship between family EE and the development of the individual illness. He shows the limitations of psycho-educational programmes while acknowledging their place in the overall supportive family therapies.