Treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform: family members’ perceptions

Abstract

Objective: To apprehend family members’ perceptions on treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform.Methodology: Qualitative exploratory research carried out in 2010 at a psychiatric hospital in Paraná State/Brazil. Ten family members of mental patients were the subjects. Data were collected by means of a semistructured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis.Results: From the analysis, three categories emerged: Treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform; Outpatient Mental Health Services; Family members’ physical and emotional distress.Discussion: The families perceived a new way of treating mental patients based on social reinsertion with the participation of a multiprofessional team.Conclusion: More support is deemed necessary on the part of mental patients’ families mediated by Brazilian public policies.