Family therapy for schizophrenia: co-occurring psychotic and substance use disorders

People with schizophrenia have a high prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorders, which is related to a worse course of psychiatric illness, more frequent relapses, and increased depression and suicide, compared with those with schizophrenia alone. The Family Intervention for Dual Diagnosis (FIDD) program, which includes psychoeducation and goal setting and focuses on building communication and problem-solving skills within the family, can aid in decreasing the stress related to having a close relationship with someone with a dual disorder. Here, the case of a young man with psychosis and marijuana dependence is examined. This article describes how the FIDD intervention helped him with his problematic substance use, as well as to build skills within his relationship for increased empathy and reduced interpersonal stress.