The effect of rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients on their family atmosphere and the emotional well-being of caregivers

Abstract

Background: In family members with a schizophrenic patient emotional problems, stressful situations, significant life changes are often observed. On the other hand rehabilitation of these patients is an integral part of their aftercare and community tenure. Aims: In this study the effect of the participation of schizophrenic patients in rehabilitation programmes, on the atmosphere of their families and the emotional well-being of their caregivers are examined. Method: Sixty six caregivers of patients in rehabilitation (group A) were compared with seventy caregivers of patients, not attending any rehabilitation programme (group B), in terms of their family atmosphere and emotional well-being, assessed by the Family Atmosphere Scale and the CES-D scale respectively. Results: The family atmosphere of the patients who were participating in a rehabilitation programme was found to be more positive (higher degree of patient's acceptance, autonomy and compliance as well as fewer economic problems) than that of their counterparts, not in rehabilitation. Group A caregivers were also found to exhibit less depressive symptomatology. Conclusions: It seems that psychosocial rehabilitation and its vanous therapeutic activities has a positive impact on several components of family atmosphere of the participating patients and the emotional status of their caregivers.