Culturally Based Family Therapy for Improving Treatment Outcome for People With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disabling mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population
worldwide. People with schizophrenia frequently experience hallucinations, delusions,
disordered thinking, movement disorders, emotional numbness, social withdrawal, and
cognitive deficits. These symptoms can hinder a person's ability to perform everyday
functions, such as hold a job and maintain normal social relationships. When combined with
medication, family-oriented therapy interventions have been beneficial for people with
schizophrenia. There are few programs, however, that are tailored to the needs of
minorities. With the rising number of minority populations in the U.S., it is important to
develop psychotherapy interventions that are designed specifically for these groups. This
study will evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally based family therapy intervention in
improving treatment outcome in people with schizophrenia.

Participants in this 12-month, open label study will first attend a 2-hour screening visit,
at which information will be gathered regarding coping styles, spirituality, and expressed
emotion. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive either culturally based
therapy or treatment as usual. Although the culturally based therapy will be tailored to the
needs and values of Hispanics, people who are not Hispanic will not be excluded. The
culturally based therapy will entail 15 weekly therapy sessions, which will focus on family
unity, psychoeducation, spirituality, communication skills, and problem-solving. The group
receiving treatment as usual will attend 3 weekly psychoeducation sessions that will focus
on informing participants about schizophrenia. Outcomes for both groups will be assessed
upon completion of treatment and at follow-up visits at Months 6 and 12.

Inclusion Criteria:

For participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder:

- Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

- Currently taking medication

- 18 or older

For all participants:

- Two or more family members, including patient, are available for participation
(therapy can be conducted if patient is not available, as long as two other family
members are interested in participating)

- Family members must be at least 13 years old

Exclusion Criteria: