title: New challenges in family interventions for schizophrenia.
abstract: This review first outlines the rationale and research base supporting the development of family interventions for schizophrenia. The over-riding principles guiding effective family interventions for schizophrenia are then presented, along with the key components (engagement, assessment, education, communication skills training and problem-solving) shared by most family programs in schizophrenia. Meta-analyses demonstrating the efficacy of family interventions in reducing relapse and rehospitalization in schizophrenia are then discussed, along with issues regarding minimal duration of effective treatment, differential benefits of single and multiple family modalities and mixed evidence for the maintenance of treatment effects after termination. The benefits of participation in family-organized, nonprofessional support and education programs are then described. Finally, three issues meriting further study are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System at West Los Angeles, B151J, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA. sglynn@ucla.edu
authors.forename: Shirley M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Glynn
authors.forename: Amy N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Noosha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Niv
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome