Family interventions in Schizophrenia: promise and pitfalls over 30 years

The stress of living with unpredictable, disturbing schizophrenic symptoms can erode interpersonal relationships. Stressful family interactions are associated with poorer prognosis. Several investigators have developed educational or more intensive skills-based family programs to increase illness knowledge and improve prognosis in schizophrenia. An extensive body of research supports the benefits of participating in family-based treatments for schizophrenia, especially those of longer duration and emphasizing skill development, in reducing relapse rates. In spite of the data, these programs are underimplemented and underutilized. Barriers to their use likely arise from patients, relatives, and mental health professionals. Newer programs, which include novel engagement strategies, target subpopulations with poor prognoses, or use innovative technologies, may make these programs more accessible to a wider range of families. Engaging individuals with schizophrenia and their loved ones in a collaborative effort to design new, more consumer-driven family interventions is warranted.