Outcome of cognitive-behavioral therapy for relatives of people with severe mental disorders

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, research shows that families of people affected by severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction) may suffer emotional distress and lack of self-esteem. AIMS: In this study, long-term effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral treatment designed for relatives of people with severe mental illness was evaluated. METHOD: A total of 30 relatives living with a person affected by a severe mental disorder received 10 sessions of tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy. RESULTS: The study shows that the treatment was effective for the reduction of depression-anxiety symptoms, as well as for negative emotions and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: This psychological support program has shown to be effective as a treatment for the relatives of people with serious mental health problems both in the posttreatment and in the 12-month follow-up.