Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
This is an critical message for families of those with schizophrenia.
“Expressed emotion” is the term for a critical and hostile environment and over-involvement by relatives toward the family member with the illness.
High levels of expressed emotion cause relapses meaning a return of hallucinations and delusions. This anxiety-inducing environment affects not only the person with schizophrenia, but causes feelings of guilt, shame and resentment in other family members.
Fifteen, one hour weekly sessions teaching about the illness that were designed to encourage family cohesiveness through communication training and problem solving, reduced the hostile environment.
Families frequently blame the person for the illness and believe that they can control it. Once they learn the facts, perceptions are changed. Seek this kind of educational support in your community.
Claudia
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