Family education in schizophrenia: A comparison of two approaches

BACKGROUND: Family education programme (FEP) for families of persons with schizophrenia is practised in several centres as a part of patient-and family-related services. AIM: This paper describes two models of FEP conducted at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai. METHODS: The first programme was a part of a research study and was structured utilizing standard evaluation instruments. The second was flexible and tailored to the needs of the family members. RESULTS: After the first programme, the psychopathology of patients and the burden of caregiving on primary caregivers did not show any significant difference but there was a significant gain in caregivers' knowledge with information and experience sharing. Most families seemed to prefer the second programme, which recorded better attendance and participation. CONCLUSION: Informal educational sessions with periodic ‘across-the-table’ re-inforcers may be more effective and practical in the Indian setting.