The Effect of Disturbing Illness Behaviors on Siblings of Persons with Schizophrenia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although psychiatric symptoms and behavioral problems have been observed as the strongest predictor of family burden and distress, the impact on siblings has not been systematically examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of illness behaviors of persons with schizophrenia on well siblings. DESIGN: A new instrument, the Friedrich-Lively Instrument to Assess the Impact of Schizophrenia on Siblings (FLIISS), which includes the Impact of Illness Behavior Scale, was used to examine the influence of illness behaviors on 752 siblings. FINDINGS: There was a high level of behavioral disturbance associated with hallucinations and delusions, disruption of household routine, and medication non-compliance. Siblings who reported more disturbing behaviors exhibited significantly more stress in every FLIISS subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The Impact of Illness Behavior Scale and/or other sections of the FLIISS can be used to identify vulnerable well siblings. Health professionals will then be able to provide interventions for well and ill siblings.