The Importance of Family Therapy for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition with complex symptoms and effects. The condition is not only challenging for the individual experiencing its symptoms, but also for those around them. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, which means that the symptoms can only be managed. Medication and psychological therapy can help in reducing its symptoms and managing daily functioning, and help someone with Schizophrenia live a normal life. 

Loved ones play a crucial role in aiding individuals' treatment. Not only do they ensure that individuals adhere to their treatment, but also provide emotional support and help maintain their quality of life. But, caring for someone with schizophrenia can be challenging.

Often, family members neglect their needs to care for their loved ones. At times, this can lead to significant distress for the individual and the family unit. Hence, psychological interventions, such as family therapy, can help provide holistic care.

Also read: Therapist-Recommended Tools to Start a Conversation on Your Mental Health With Your Family

What is family therapy?

In family therapy, also known as systemic therapy, a mental health expert will work with an individual and their loved ones. It helps in focusing on those relationships within which an individual's symptoms or behaviours are manifested.

Besides cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy can be a useful tool when working with individuals with schizophrenia. During family therapy, family members are not only educated about the condition further, but also learn skills to cope with their loved one's diagnosis. From stress management to regulating and processing their emotions, family members benefit from family therapy in several ways.

Also read: 10 Tips to Navigate a Difficult Conversation With Your Partner

Is family therapy for schizophrenia effective?

Family therapy helps family members learn more about this chronic mental health condition. It not only helps promote better understanding and empathy among family members, but also helps in identifying any problematic communication pattern which may be hindering the overall treatment process. Using the skills learned during family therapy, family members can not only help their loved one, but also learn to care for themselves.

Connecting better with family

By working with a mental health expert, family members can understand how schizophrenia affects an individual's thoughts, behaviours and feelings. During sessions they can not only resolve their queries but also identify the best possible treatment for their loved one, and how effective family therapy can be. Thus, family members  start to play an active role in their loved one's recovery, helping improve their relationship.

Discovering their loved one's needs

As family members learn how they can help in managing their loved one's symptoms, they also get to learn about their loved one's specific needs. Thus, families become a vital resource to help in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia.

During sessions, families discuss the specific requirements and the range of possible solutions, which can help in supporting their loved one. Based on the individual's specific needs, family members will then agree on a detailed plan to help the individual.

Working together for improvements

Although family members play a key role in their loved one's treatment, it is important to remember that they must work together with the individual. Treatment adherence involves the individual gradually resuming responsibility of following their treatment. The individuals may be assigned some tasks, which are typically undemanding in the beginning, but slowly become more ambitious overtime.

During this stage, families work together to help sustain the individual's progress and support them to prevent escalations or psychotic experiences.

Also read: Psychiatric Medication: Everything You Need To Know

Learning useful information, resolving their queries, and creating a specific plan during family therapy can go a long way in putting family members at ease. After each session, family members are equipped with new skills which can help their loved one in their journey to better mental health. 

Sources:

1. https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/how-does-family-therapy-help-with-schizophrenia 

2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/family-therapy-and-schizophrenia-a-brief-theoretical-overview-and-a-framework-for-clinical-practice/B4814AF78400F32DCE32E00D06762BB9 

3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-022-01393-w