Behavioral Therapeutic Family Support
The therapeutic approach developed by Falloon, Boyd and McGill in 1984 represents a version of behavioral family support adapted to the special needs of schizophrenic patients and their families. The central components are: Family care should be provided as outpatient follow-up care and, if possible, should follow inpatient treatment. The patient should be symptom-free to the extent that he or she is able to cooperate in a concentrated manner for about 45 minutes.
It is recommended to carry out about every 4th session in the family household. The duration is about 25 sessions within the first year, frequency will be adapted to the family. The supervision should be planned for a period of two years. In case of a crisis, an unscheduled session should be arranged quickly.
- Neuroleptic medication
- Diagnostics, analysis of family conflicts and stress
- Information about schizophrenia and medication
- Communication training (direct expression of positive and negative feelings, active listening)
- Problem solving training
- If required: Individual therapy
Training of social skills
This therapeutic approach is about improving social skills, i.e. the ability to deal with other people and to solve interpersonal problems. This therapy is conducted in groups and includes exercises to improve social perception and social behavior.To be practiced:
- Recipient skills (perception exercises, active listening, summarizing the speaker’s remarks)
- Initiate, maintain and end short calls
- Expressing positive feelings like praise and recognition
- Expression of negative feelings
- Standing up for your own rights and rejecting unjustified claims
- Problem solving training
Sociotherapy and Rehabilitation
Schizophrenia accompanies the affected person for years, if not for life. Therefore, these persons leave the professional and social life for a longer period of time and have to be reintegrated in the context of a successful therapy. In most cases this is successful, even if the schizophrenia persists.
The doctors and therapists, social workers, relatives and of course the patient must work closely together. The most important aspects of this are the continuation of drug and/or psychotherapeutic treatment, care at home and finding a suitable job if the patient is fit for work. In many cases, with the right help, the affected persons find their way back into their own lives, can live independently and pursue a profession.
More severely affected patients need support in everyday life, as they cannot manage on their own. In this case, an assisted living situation would be desirable, as well as a job where colleagues can keep an eye on them, such as helping in the hospital ward. In cases where the patient represents a danger to themselves or others, reintegration is not possible and possibly accommodation in a closed institution is necessary.
