Depression and expressed emotion

Research on expressed emotion (EE) has shown that clients with depression, like those with schizophrenia, are more likely to relapse if they live with a partner or family members who express critical attitudes toward the client. This article describes a new treatment for major depression, based on systemic therapy we have called Partner Assisted Therapy. Specific interventions are discussed and illustrated with case material. Results at one and two years show partner-assisted therapy to be superior to pharmacological treatment.