Family functioning and mental illness: A comparison of psychiatric and nonclinical families

Author(s): McDermut, W. H., Solomon, D. A., Ryan, C. E., Keitner, G. I., Miller, I. W.

Journal/Book: Fam Process. 1997; 36: PO Box 23980, Rochester, NY 14692-3980. Family Process Inc. 357-367.

Abstract: The primary objective of the present investigation was to examine adaptive functioning in the families of patients with a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Seven dimensions of family functioning, as measured by the Family Assessment Device (FAD), were compared across families of patients with a schizophrenia disorder (n = 61), bipolar (n = 60), major depression (n = 111), anxiety disorder (n = 15), eating disorder (n = 26), substance abuse disorder (n = 48), and adjustment disorder (n = 46). Families in each psychiatric group were also compared to a control group of nonclinical families (N = 353). Results indicated that regardless of specific diagnosis, having a family member in an, acute phase of a psychiatric illness was a risk factor for poor family functioning compared to the functioning of control families. However, with few exceptions, the type of the patient's psychiatric illness did not predict significant differences in family functioning. Thus, having a family member with a psychiatric illness is a general stressor for families, and family interventions should be considered for most patients who require a psychiatric hospitalization for either the onset of, or an acute exacerbation of, any psychiatric disorder.

Note: Article Friedmann MS, Beth Israel Med Ctr, Dept Psychiat, 6 Bernstein, 1ST Ave 16TH St, New York,NY 10003 USA

Keyword(s): EXPRESSED EMOTION; MAJOR DEPRESSION; ASSESSMENT DEVICE; WOMEN; REPLICATION; DYSFUNCTION; INPATIENTS; DISORDERS; BEHAVIOR; DIVORCE

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