EXPERIENCE WITH FAMILY GROUPS AS A COMPON ENT OF PSYCHIATRIC-CARE FORSCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

Since 1993 we have been working with nine groups of relatives of schiz ophrenic patients who were admitted as inpatients to two different psy chiatric wards at the Landesklinik Nordschwarzwald. We summarise our e xperience with the family groups as a part of the psychiatric care for schizophrenic patients. The concept of family groups combines psychoe ducational aspects with the concept of ''Expressed Emotion''. The rela tives valued the combination of information, discussion and exchange o f experiences positively. The groups offer relief and support. The inv olvement of the relatives has proved useful in the treatment of schizo phrenic patients at our institution and will be continued. Further stu dies designed to improve the efficiency and quality of family groups w ill be important for their general establishment in psychiatric care.