Multiple-family groups and psychoeducation in the treatment of schizophrenia

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1995 Aug;52(8):679-87. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1995.03950200069016.

Abstract

Objective: To compare outcomes in psychoeducational multiple-family group treatment vs psychoeducational single-family treatment.

Method: A total of 172 acutely psychotic patients, aged 18 to 45 years, with DSM-III-R schizophrenic disorders were randomly assigned to single- or multiple-family psychoeducational treatment at six public hospitals in the state of New York. Psychotic relapse, symptom status, medication compliance, rehospitalization, and employment were assessed independently during 2 years of supervised treatment.

Results: The multiple-family groups yielded significantly lower 2-year cumulative relapse rates than did the single-family modality (16% vs 27%) and achieved markedly lower rates in patients whose conditions had not remitted at index hospital discharge (13% vs 33%). The relapse hazard ratio between treatments was 1:3. The relapse rate for both modalities was less than half the expected rate (65% to 80% for 2 years) for patients receiving individual treatment and medication. Rehospitalization rates and psychotic symptoms decreased significantly, and medication compliance was high, to an equal degree in both modalities.

Conclusion: Psychoeducational multiple-family groups were more effective than single-family treatment in extending remission, especially in patients at higher risk for relapse, with a cost-benefit ratio of up to 1:34.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / education
  • Employment
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Readmission
  • Recurrence
  • Schizophrenia / prevention & control
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Social Support
  • Treatment Outcome