title: [Family functioning in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and epilepsy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the impact of illness progression on the family functioning of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and epilepsy showing chronic relapsing progress and affecting functionality.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 75 patients who were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria as having schizophrenia (n: 25), bipolar affective disorder (n: 25) or epilepsy (n: 25) and their 134 family members were included in the study. A socio-demographical data form was completed by consulting the patient and family members, and a Family Assessment Device (FAD) was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The general functionality level was low in patients with schizophrenia. Families of patients with bipolar affective disorder had healthier functioning than families of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy. Subscales of "communication" and "behavioral control" were reported as highly ineffective by the schizophrenia patients. The epilepsy patients have family dysfunction in "behavioral control" and "roles" subscales. The families of bipolar affective disorder patients evaluated their "problem solving" and "general functioning" as problematic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The family's experience of disease and adaptation is a dynamic and ongoing process. Our data suggest that chronic psychiatric and neurological diseases may cause some specific difficulties in family functions.
authors.forename: Süheyla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Burhanettin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.forename: Bülent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cekem
authors.forename: Handan I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Ozişik
authors.forename: Gönül
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cakil
authors.forename: Mine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia