A. Bazzoni, M.L. Rosicarelli, A. Picardi, P. Mudu, R. Roncone, P. Morosini - Vol. 9, March 2003, Issue 1
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Indice
Intervento multifamiliare di gruppo e schizofrenia:
uno studio controllato randomizzato
A controlled clinical trial of a group intervention for relatives of patients
with schizophrenia
Objectives
To assess the efficacy of a group intervention for relatives of patients
with schizophrenia. To explore the feasibility of a randomised controlled
trial of a psychosocial treatment in daily practice.
Methods
The relatives of patients with DSM-III-R schizophrenia were randomised
to receive either the experimental intervention plus standard treatment or
standard treatment alone. The group intervention for relatives was carried-out
in the absence of patients and lasted 22 biweekly sessions. It included giving
information on schizophrenia and the stress-vulnerability model, defining
realistic objectives, training in communication skills, effective coping strategies,
and structured problem solving. Role playing techniques and homework assignments
were widely used, with an emphasis on active learning. In each family, a key
relative was asked to complete at baseline and immediately after treatment
two validated instruments: the QPF on family burden and perceived support,
and the QCV on the patient’s social functioning and psychological conditions.
Results
Initially, the two groups were similar on all outcome measures. After
treatment, in the control group we did not observe a decrease on any measure,
while in the experimental group we observed a significant decrease or a statistical
trend toward a decrease on all measures. We also observed a significant difference
or a statistical trend toward a difference between groups on all measures.
Conclusions
This study suggests that randomised controlled trials are feasible also
in routine practice. It supports the controversial claim that family group
interventions in the absence of patients may be effective in reducing family
burden and in improving patients’ conditions, if carried out intensively and
with an emphasis on active learning principles.