Family interventions in psychosis

Abstract

Achieving adequate response to therapy for schizophrenia goes well beyond the ‘antipsychotic response’ of medications. Response does not occur in a vacuum and the support of relatives is crucial. Moreover, studies that focuses on family interventions-through a range of approaches-show compelling evidence of the positive impact of family support upon the person’s outcomes. This chapter illustrates core principles as well as reviewing interventional studies with respect to familial involvement in the care and overall therapeutic response of patients with severe schizophrenia.