Does Psychoeducation for Families have an Effect When Only One Caregiver is Present and the Patient is Not Involved?

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Multi-family psycho-educational programs for schizophrenia often succeed in mobilizing only one family member. To what extent does intervention involving a single caregiver have an impact on the interaction between family members?. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from self-administered questionnaires completed by caregivers participating in the Profamille V3 psychoeducational program on a sample of 1277 subjects. Results: After participation in the first 56H module of the program, participants reduced the time spent on negative and increased the time spent on positive interactions with the patient. Other family members who did not attend the program also reduced the time spent on negative interactions with the patient. Conclusions: The presence of the patient or several family members is not indispensable for improving the relational dynamics of the whole family. The skills needed to improve positive communication are more difficult to transfer to nonparticipants.