Psychoeducation and the family burden in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The majority of patients with schizophrenia live with their relatives in Pakistan, thereby families experience a considerable burden. We aimed to study the impact of psychoeducation on the burden of schizophrenia on the family in a randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
A total of 108 patients with schizophrenia and their family members from the outpatient department of a teaching hospital in Lahore, Pakistan were randomised. Both groups received psychotropic drugs but one group received psychoeducation in addition. Family burden was assessed at the time of recruitment and at 6 months post intervention.


RESULTS
In all, 99 patients and their relatives completed the treatment. There was significant reduction in burden at post-intervention assessment in the psychoeducation group based on intention to treat analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Family psychoeducation can be an important intervention for patients with schizophrenia in Pakistan.
Nasr
Tanveer
T
Department of Psychology and Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. tanveernasr@hotmail.com
Kausar
Rukhsana
R