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Partnering with families: multiple family group psychoeducation for schizophrenia
Author(s) -
Jewell Thomas C.,
Downing Donna,
McFarlane William R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.20610
Subject(s) - psychoeducation , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychology , mental health , psychiatry , mental illness , family therapy , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , intervention (counseling)
Family psychoeducation (FPE) is one of six evidence‐based practices endorsed by the Center for Mental Health Services for individuals suffering from chronic mental illnesses. Multiple family group psychoeducation (MFG) has been shown to be an effective component of FPE in reducing symptom relapses and rehospitalizations for individuals with schizophrenia. It is especially effective when family members participate on a consistent basis, which allows them to increase their understanding of the biology of the disorder, learn ways to be supportive, reduce stress in the environment and in their own lives, and develop a broader social network. When used in conjunction with medication, MFG can help an individual with schizophrenia progress towards the rehabilitation phase of recovery. A case illustration describes the engagement of a chronically ill, mid‐thirties male in MFG and how his family's participation for 2 years benefits all members, in spite of the longevity of his illness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 868–878, 2009.