2. Family therapy

Family therapy

• Based on theory → schizophrenia = associated with schizophrenogenic mothers + double bind + expression emotion + other dysfunctions → in the family

• Aim → reduce stress in family environment + preventing relapse

Pharoah et al. (2010)

• Suggests following techniques → in which all family is involved → are used:

  • Co-operative + trusting relationship with family = established

  • Therapist provides info → about schizophrenia

  • Family members contribute → all contributions = valued

  • Reducing anger + guilt

  • Family provided → with practical coping skills → to help deal with disorder → to anticipate + solve problems

  • More constructive ways of interaction + communication = encouraged → to avoid expressed emotions

  • Training → to detect any signs of relapse → in the patient

Weakness → Pharoah et al. (2010)

• Moderate evidence to show → family therapies = reduce relapse rates + hospital readmissions → in schizophrenia patients

  • Variances in quality of research studies used = weak research support → for family therapy

Weakness → FT does not provide cure for schizophrenia

• Family therapy → does not provide cure for schizophrenia → rather provides management of effects

  • FT → cannot be used to treat schizophrenia → by itself

Weakness → FT based on nurture premise

• FT = based on premises → nurture = significant factor in schizophrenia

  • Biological basis of schizophrenia → not addressed at all in therapy → limiting its use