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.