Information sharing concerning schizophrenia in a family member: adult siblings' perspectives

Content analysis of 11 in-depth interviews of adult siblings having a brother or sister with schizophrenia shows a variation in families' needs and desire for information about the illness. Families who do not seek information appear to be in denial, whereas those who can be classified as withholding information realize the significance of illness but are reluctant to share information. Information provided by mental health professionals is thought to be scarce and frequently confusing. Subjects believe they must actively pursue information, and they find advice on everyday problems to be the most practical. Health care professionals need to know about the family's differing stages of readiness to receive information, to have some insight into the family's attitudes toward illness, and a recognition of the stigma of mental illness many of these families feel.