HELPING THE CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIC AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY—INTIAL OBSERVATIONS1

There is a growing interest in the problems of mentally ill persons in the community in order to understand and organize services for them. Schizophrenia continues to form the most important problems in the community. The present prospective study involved thirty patients with chronic schizophrenia and their families. The study involved the intensive understanding of the social problems of the patients and families as well as the interventions to manage the problems isolated. The study revealed the following areas to the source of problems of adjustment: (i) High expectations of the family, (ii) Excessive emotional involvement, (iii) Marital disturbances, (iv) Problems of employment and (v) Problems relating to long term treatment. The techniques employed in the management were, in addition to long-acting phenothiazines were: (i) periodic and regular home visits, (ii) family financial counselling, (iii) explanation about the illness to enhance treatment acceptance, and (iv) contact with social welfare agencies. The paper is largely descriptive and illustrations of cases are included to highlight the salient aspects of the experience.