Family intervention for expressed emotion in schizophrenia: Indian context

BACKGROUND: Expressed emotion (EE) being a part of the family environment could adversely affect the course and prognosis of schizophrenia. AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of family intervention among the caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The experimental research design was used for 80 caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. Sociodemographic interview schedule of caregivers, family emotional involvement and criticism scale, and mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI 6.0) were used for data collection. A standardized family intervention program involving 10 sessions was provided to caregivers. The intervention included six sessions of family psychoeducation, two sessions of communication training, one session of stress management, and one session on recap and referral services over a period of 2-3 months. The intervention used methods of social case and group work, social work principles, and therapeutic activities. The methodologies adopted a brainstorming technique, case vignettes, role plays, and video clippings concerning the topics of the day. Brief handout on intervention was given. RESULTS: The RMANOVA score (F = 35.892; P =0.001) revealed that there was a significant reduction in EE of the caregivers of the intervention group who underwent the family intervention program in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: Family-based intervention was found to be effective for reducing EE in schizophrenia.