title: [Discharge letters addressed to caregivers of psychiatric patients: support and psychoeducation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In clinical practise, discharge letters addressed to caregivers are rare.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on a discharge letter, addressed to the family of a 46-year-old patient suffering from a disorganized type of schizophrenia with continuous course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The case report indicates that letters to caregivers are useful to provide psychoeducation, to disburden caregivers and to enhance treatment continuation, prevention of relapse and rehabilitation of the patient. Furthermore, discharge letters to caregivers appreciate the role of relatives as important partners in patients' successful treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Letters to caregivers are an efficient chance to increase confidence and satisfaction of caregivers of psychiatric patients.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Universität am Bezirksklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg. rita.schmid@medbo.de
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Tanja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schielein
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jakob
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Spiessl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012562:Schizophrenia, Disorganized / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012944:Social Support