Psychiatria pre prax 4/2023

Family interactions and interventions in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

This is an overview work that deals with the issues of reactions and interactions when a family member is diagnosed with schizophrenia. It highlights the importance of relational bond and traumatization in childhood in relation to disorders from the schizophrenia spectrum. It deals with some family therapeutic approaches that are used in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (crisis intervention method, supportive psychotherapy, behavioural management of family members, psychoeducational approach and support groups of family members). Currently, the emphasis is on psychoeducation through developed programs intended for patients with disorders from the schizophrenia spectrum and their relatives. Observing mutual interactions in the family and traumatizing factors in childhood expands knowledge about causes of the emergence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and simultaneously creates opportunities for the development of preventive therapeutic programs aimed at reducing the relapse of psychoses.

Keywords: schizophrenia, stigma, relational bond, family therapy, psychoeducation