Psychological Treatment for Schizophrenia Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is family therapy?
Family therapy is a psychological intervention that involves both the schizophrenic patient and their family members. It aims to improve the family environment and reduce relapse rates.
What is the goal of improving communication in family therapy?
The therapist helps the family express emotions, needs, and concerns more openly, reducing double-bind communication and high expressed emotion (EE) linked to schizophrenia relapse.
What are therapeutic alliances in family therapy?
The family discusses how they will support the patient and each other, reducing stress, improving understanding, and helping to prevent relapse.
How does family therapy help balance roles?
The therapist helps family members strike a balance between supporting the patient and maintaining their own wellbeing, reducing hostility and criticism which could worsen symptoms.
What is a strength of family therapy regarding research evidence?
There is strong evidence for its effectiveness, showing it leads to the lowest relapse rates, fewer hospital readmissions, and better medication compliance than other therapies.
Why is the supporting research evidence a strength of family therapy?
It demonstrates that family therapy provides long-term strategies for managing schizophrenia, adding credibility.
In what cases is family therapy more suitable than CBT?
Family therapy can be more appropriate than CBT for patients who struggle to express themselves or have delusions.
How do family members contribute in family therapy?
Family members can communicate on behalf of the patient and offer a more rational perspective.
What is a limitation of family therapy regarding cost?
Family therapy is expensive and time-consuming, requiring trained professionals and multiple sessions with family groups.
What are the implications of the high cost of family therapy?
It may not be widely available, especially on the NHS, which faces funding issues and long wait times.
Why is the high cost of family therapy considered a mixed limitation?
Short-term cost is high, but long-term benefits can justify investment, adding some credibility, but practical limits remain.
Why might family therapy not be suitable for all patients?
Not all patients can access or benefit from this therapy, especially those without supportive families.
What alternatives exist for patients who cannot benefit from family therapy?
In these cases, CBT or drug treatments may be more appropriate.
Why is the limitation of applicability a concern for family therapy?
It reduces the applicability and generalisability of family therapy, questioning its credibility.
