THE IMPACT OF THERAPEUTIC RELATIVES GROUPS ON THE COURSE OF ILLNESS OF SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

This study considers the question of whether relapse rates among schiz ophrenic patients can be reduced by means of relatives' groups. In a r andomized, controlled intervention study, two therapeutic strategies ( therapeutic relatives' groups, initiated relatives' self-help groups) were compared with each other and with a control group. Interventions were confined to the relatives, with the patients continuing their sta ndard treatment. The study involved 151 relatives of 99 chronic DSMIII schizophrenics. Data were collected before and after a I-year interve ntion phase and in a 2-year follow-up. No difference existed between t he groups with respect to rehospitalization data. However, numerous di fferences recorded in the psychopathological findings and in living an d working circumstances suggest that therapeutic work with relatives i s of clinically significant benefit.