CRITICISM AND HOSTILITY IN RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA OR RELATED PSYCHOSES - DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PREDICTORS

Relatives' criticism and hostility are important risk factors for rela pse in schizophrenia. In order to explain these attitudes, we examined a Norwegian sample of 47 recently hospitalized patients (with schizop hrenia or related psychoses) and 72 relatives. Relalives expressed emo tion was assessed by means of the Camberwell family interview. Demogra phic and clinical data were used as predictor variables in confirmator y regression analyses, The most robust predictors of high levels of cr iticism were, on the part of the patient, lack of paid employment. mor e than 3 previous hospital admissions, more troublesome behaviours rep orted by relatives. especially anxiety/depression, and better cognitiv e functioning at admission. Robust predictors of hostility were lack o f employment and more than 3 previous hospitalizations. Interventions to reduce criticism should include employing patients and working with relatives' unrealistic expectations.