The clinical utility of expressed emotion in schizophrenia

The measure expressed emotion (EE) has been developed over the course of the last 35 years, but it is only over the last decade that there has been an explosion of interest in it. It taps attitudes and behaviour in those who care for people with a range of psychiatric and physical conditions. It has been the basis for successful studies of psychosocial intervention in schizophrenia. However, several questions remain to be answered concerning EE. This article summarizes the results of an aggregate analysis of 25 studies of EE, which appears to be a robust predictor of relapse, in a range of locations and cultures, and in both sexes. Medication and family atmosphere exert effects on relapse that are completely independent. High contact with high-EE relatives increases relapse rates still further, while if anything contact with low-EE relatives is protective. We describe what is known about the relationship of EE with the behaviour of patients and carers. It is now clear that staff members can exhibit the same range of behaviours as the relatives of sufferers. Finally, we set out the implications for the routine management of people with longstanding schizophrenia.