Unmet needs of families of adults with mental illness and preferences regarding family services.
OBJECTIVE
This study used a survey to assess the information and educational needs of family members of adults with mental illness and their preferences regarding how to address those needs.


METHODS
Recruitment was attempted through two sources: local mental health treatment facilities and the Maryland chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Inadequate contact information and low response rate produced only 16 responses from family members of consumers recruited through local mental health facilities. Thus results are reported for a family needs assessment survey mailed to NAMI members (308 of 962 possible responses). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to summarize relationships between characteristics of the family member, characteristics of the ill relative, experience of stigma by the family member, and information needs of the family members.


RESULTS
On average, family members reported a substantial number of unmet needs (mean+/-SD of 7.09+/-4.71 needs; possible number of needs ranges from 0 to 16), often despite prior receipt of information. Family members' experiences of stigma and having an ill relative with a more recently occurring condition (for example, a younger relative or a shorter length of illness) or with a disabling condition (for example, recent hospitalization) were significantly associated with a greater number of unmet needs. Family members preferred that a mental health provider (63%) address their needs on an as-needed basis (58%).


CONCLUSIONS
The needs and preferences of family members of adults with mental illness are diverse and varied. Consequently, these families may benefit from ongoing provision of information and support tailored to meet the families' individual needs. Continued efforts should be made to understand and address consumer and family needs, potential barriers to participation in family services, and the relationship between stigma and family need.
Veterans Integrated Service Network 5, Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. amy.drapalski@va.gov
Amy L
AL
Drapalski
Tina
T
Marshall
Diana
D
Seybolt
Deborah
D
Medoff
Jason
J
Peer
Jaclyn
J
Leith
Lisa B
LB
Dixon
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support