psychological treatment of schizophrenia: family therapy Flashcards
(17 cards)
1
Q
what is the purpose of family therapy in schizophrenia
A
- helps the whole family support the person with schizophrenia
- makes living with someone who has psychosis easier
- improves understanding and communication in the family
2
Q
what are the main aims of family therapy for schizophrenia
A
- create a strong support network in the family
- build a good relationship between family and professionals
- work together to support the patient’s treatment
3
Q
what does NICE stand for
A
- national institute for health and care excellence
4
Q
what do the NICE guidelines say about family therapy for schizophrenia
A
- should be offered during treatment
- helps reduce relapse rates
- increases treatment compliance
- based on strong evidence
5
Q
what is an important feature of family therapy in schizophrenia
A
- encourages open discussion about symptoms
- patient seen as an ’expert’ on their experience
- family gets education on causes of the illness
- helps remove blame for the psychosis
6
Q
why is it important for the whole family to understand schizophrenia
A
- helps them understand the behaviours shown
- learn that symptoms can’t be controlled during psychosis
- improves support and empathy for the patient
7
Q
what else is likely to be given as part of the treatment?
A
- drug therapy
8
Q
what role does drug therapy play in family therapy for schizophrenia
A
- part of the treatment plan
- family receives information on medication
- explains how the medication works
- informs about side effects to expect
9
Q
what is another important feature of family therapy for schizophrenia
A
- focuses on understanding the illness and day-to-day concerns
- encourages family members to talk about frustrations
- helps address issues like personal hygiene and anger (family may be frustrated by patient)
- promotes discussion and finding solutions together
- gives everyone a chance to state their views
10
Q
why are family members included in the treatment process for schizophrenia
A
- living with someone with schizophrenia can be emotionally draining
- challenging behaviour caused by symptoms adds pressure
- family members may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk to others
- involving family helps manage the demands of caregiving
11
Q
weakness: cure?
A
- not a cure for schizophrenia
- helps families cope with the disorder
- creates a more manageable family environment
- offers support and encourages medication compliance
12
Q
supporting: goldstein and miklowitz (1995)
A
- family therapy combined with medication reduces relapse rates more than medication alone
- however, effectiveness depends on the type of intervention used
- there is strong evidence supporting family interventions
13
Q
supporting: pilling et al. (2002)
A
- meta analysis
- compared effectiveness of family therapy with CBT as treatment for schizophrenia
- family therapy reduces relapse rates for psychosis episodes
- family therapy improves medication compliance
14
Q
other things (w)
A
- relies on the whole family being open and honest
- requires willingness to work with therapists
- not all families or members may be willing or able to commit
- this can lead to drop-out rates in family therapy
15
Q
other things (w+s)
A
- family therapy is not a standalone treatment
- it’s a support intervention to help the family and ensure medication compliance
- in combination with medication, it leads to very positive outcomes for patients
- medication is the preferred treatment for schizophrenia
16
Q
other things (s/w?)
A
- aims for long-term maintenance of mental health
- not designed to relieve symptoms
- focuses on reducing expressed emotion
- helps prevent relapse through medication compliance and support
17
Q
other things: NHS (w)
A
- not widely available on the NHS
- many patients who could benefit may not have access to it
- key outcome is reduced relapse rates, improving quality of life
- fewer relapses could save the NHS money by reducing hospital admissions
