Psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia

Abstract

Behaviour Family Therapy (BFT) is widely advocated as a standard model for the management of schizophrenia. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of the Culturally Modified Family Therapy (CMFT) against Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) in the management of schizophrenia in a developing country. The CMFT consisted of a socio-cultural approach to family education, a drug intervention programme and problem solving skills. The selected patients were randomly assigned to the study (CMFT) or control (BFT) group. Seventy-four patients from the CMFT group and 69 from the BFT group completed one year of study. Compliance with medication, family burden, clinical and social outcomes were measured at 6 months and 1 year after initiation of the intervention. Although non-significant, patients in the BFT group at 6 months assessment had better outcome in all variables except drug compliance. At the end of the study period, patients in the CMFT group had significant improvement in drug compliance, family burden and reduction in the number of exacerbated cases (scored at least moderately severe in one or more of the BPRS psychotic items). Although both treatments are effective, the culturally modified technique is superior in the long run.