Using the partner in the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia: a multiple single case design

This report describes the treatment of six couples where one partner had a long psychiatric history and a long-standing diagnosis of schizophrenia. Using a multiple single case design, the effects of providing the couples with information about schizophrenia and systematic family management (comprising problem solving and communication training) were assessed. The results showed that providing information alone had no effect on presenting symptoms but did improve the partners' perception of their ability to cope and solve problems. While a causal effect of treatment on improvement was not conclusively proven, the cycle of readmission and relapse was altered.