A S Bellack1, G L Haas, N R Schooler, J D Flory. 1. VA Capitol Network, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. abellack@umaryland.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Family interventions for schizophrenia have proved to be highly effective in preventing relapse, but it is not clear how they work or how they should be structured. AIMS: To examine the effects of a behavioural family intervention and a family support programme on communication, problem solving and outcome in order to determine the impact of structured communication training. METHOD: Patients and family members participating in the Treatment Strategies in Schizophrenia study werevideotaped engaging in 10-minute problem-solving conversations at baseline and after the conclusion of the family intervention. Tapes were subsequently evaluated for changes in communication patterns. RESULTS: The intensive behavioural intervention did not produce differential improvement in communication, and change in communication was unrelated to patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that intensive behavioural family interventions may not be cost efficient, and that change in family communication patterns may only be important for a subset of families.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Family interventions for schizophrenia have proved to be highly effective in preventing relapse, but it is not clear how they work or how they should be structured. AIMS: To examine the effects of a behavioural family intervention and a family support programme on communication, problem solving and outcome in order to determine the impact of structured communication training. METHOD:Patients and family members participating in the Treatment Strategies in Schizophrenia study were videotaped engaging in 10-minute problem-solving conversations at baseline and after the conclusion of the family intervention. Tapes were subsequently evaluated for changes in communication patterns. RESULTS: The intensive behavioural intervention did not produce differential improvement in communication, and change in communication was unrelated to patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that intensive behavioural family interventions may not be cost efficient, and that change in family communication patterns may only be important for a subset of families.
Authors: Mary P O'Brien; David J Miklowitz; Kristin A Candan; Catherine Marshall; Isabel Domingues; Barbara C Walsh; Jamie L Zinberg; Sandra D De Silva; Kristen A Woodberry; Tyrone D Cannon Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2013-11-04