[Emotional family environment and clinical profile in schizophrenia]

Despite the strong evidence in the literature for considering Expressed Emotion (EE) as a relapse predicting factor in schizophrenia, there are still several aspects open to discussion. One of the controversial issues is whether EE is only an intrinsic characteristic of the family or, at least partially, a response to schizophrenic symptoms. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between EE, and each one of its single components, and the patients clinical characteristics. It is an observational study including a sample of 120 schizophrenic patients and their families. Patients have been evaluated for their clinical status as well as their social adjustment, and the key relatives have been assessed with the Camberwell Family Interview. We have found a statistically significant association between the severity of psycotic symptoms and critical comments, as well as with hostility. However, no association was found between clinical severity and the global status of EE. Results are compared with other studies and possible explanations for those discussed.