[The role of expressed emotions in schizophrenia]

In a decade dedicated to the brain, one particular line of research has been demonstrating the value of considering psychosocial factors in the course of schizophrenia. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the concept of "expressed emotion" which has been shown repeatedly to predict relapse in a variety of severe mental disorders. We will, as well, describe a research program undertaken at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre which has been developed to deepen our understanding of the association between the family and outcome in schizophrenia. Selected results will be presented that highlight the complexity of the family process in mental illness.