title: [Treatment utilisation of a psychoeducational group for relatives of patients with affective disorders].
abstract: The relevance of family interactions in the course of affective disorders has been well described. In contrast to the situation regarding schizophrenic disorders, there are few systematic concepts for involvement of the relatives of patients with affective disorders in treatment. The goal of this study was the development and evaluation of a standardised psychoeducational treatment programme. We determined the number and characteristics of relatives accepting the offer of such a group. Relatives of almost half of 55 patients with major depression and a bipolar disorder participated in the group. Relatives of male patients were more likely to take part than relatives of female patients. Relatives of patients with a bipolar disorder were more likely to take part than relatives of patients with unipolar depression. The patients whose relatives attended the group showed a more favourable understanding of the illness and more knowledge about affective disorders, but on the other hand, felt themselves to be more strongly criticised by their relatives and had less social support than the other patients. These results emphasise the importance of differential family-focused treatment modalities in affective disorders.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrische Klinik, Universität Heidelberg. klaus_kronmueller@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: K-T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Kronmüller
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kratz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karr
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schenkenbach
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mundt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Backenstrass
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome