Multifamily Groups in the Treatment of Severe Psychiatric Disorders

For the families of persons with schizophrenia and other chronic mental health problems, psychoeducational groups offer a powerful means of improving coping skills, reducing stress, and providing information to enhance caregiving. Empirical research also suggests that participation in such groups may have positive long-term effects on patients' interpersonal functioning and clinical stability. This volume provides a complete guide to the multifamily psychoeducational approach. Written by pioneering schizophrenia treatment developer William R. McFarlane, the book first lays out the theoretical and empirical foundations of the model. Chapters coauthored by McFarlane and other leading clinician researchers then provide detailed 'how-to' instructions for forming groups that include patients and family members, implementing educational and problem-solving interventions, and managing clinical, relationship, and functional issues that may arise. Also covered in depth are appl

William R. McFarlane, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont and Director of Research and former Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center. Previously, he was Director of the Biosocial Treatment Research Division of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. His main interests are in developing and testing family and psychosocial treatments for major mental illnesses and determining their application in the public sector. Dr. McFarlane has published more than 40 articles and book chapters, as well as one previous book, and has served on the Board of Directors of the American Orthopsychiatric Association, on the Council of the Association for Clinical Psychosocial Research, and as President of the Maine Psychiatric Association.