Family education in schizophrenia: A comparison of two approaches.
BACKGROUND
Family education programme (FEP) for families of persons with schizophrenia is practised in several centres as a part of patient-and family-related services.


OBJECTIVE
This paper describes two models of FEP conducted at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai.


METHODS
The first programme was a part of a research study and was structured utilizing standard evaluation instruments. The second was flexible and tailored to the needs of the family members.


RESULTS
After the first programme, the psychopathology of patients and the burden of caregiving on primary caregivers did not show any significant difference but there was a significant gain in caregivers' knowledge with information and experience sharing. Most families seemed to prefer the second programme, which recorded better attendance and participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Informal educational sessions with periodic 'across-the-table' re-inforcers may be more effective and practical in the Indian setting.
Thara
R
R
Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai.
Padmavati
R
R
Lakshmi
A
A
Karpagavalli
P
P