Relationship between symptoms and family relationships in Veterans with serious mental illness

Abstract

Abstract-Little is known about how the symptoms experienced by individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) affect family relationships. This study assessed the association between symptoms and patient perceptions of family relationships. The sample of 226 outpatient Veterans diagnosed with SMI, whose relatives had low contact rates with treatment staff, was enrolled in a study that used shared decision making to consider family involvement in care. We analyzed baseline data using multiple regressions to understand the unique effect that positive, negative, and depressive symptoms have on perceptions of family relationships, including general functioning, problem solving, communication, support, satisfaction, conflict, and distress. Greater depressive and disorganized symptoms were significant, unique predictors of perceptions of poorer communication and problem solving, while higher levels of expressive negative symptoms-blunted affect, lack of spontaneity, and motor retardation-were unique predictors of better communication and problem solving. More depressive symptoms also significantly predicted perceptions of greater family conflict and distress. While we cannot assume causation, these associations underscore the important role of depression and expressive negative symptoms in adopting a family-centered approach in the care of persons with SMI.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: "The effectiveness of FMPO in improving the quality of care for persons with severe mental illness"; NCT00466323; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00466323

Family challenges experienced by women with serious mental illness

“…Empirical research indicates that the majority of people with SMI want their families to participate in their treatment, especially those who are in frequent contact with their families (Murray-Swank et al, 2007). Family interventions can prevent relapse among people with SMI and enhance social functioning, reducing cost of care (Haselden et al, 2016). In addition, these interventions can boost the knowledge base, coping abilities, and mental health of family members of people with SMI (Sherman & Carothers, 2005).…”

“…In regard to family interactions, research has found that support flows not only from caregiver to the person with SMI but can be reciprocal. Haselden et al (2016) found that 41% of their participants with SMI discovered ways to contribute help and support to their families outside of traditional work. This was especially true for women and those with greater levels of contact with their families.…”

Substance Use And Life-Course Narratives For Criminally Involved Veterans

“…Research has indicated that having a mental illness is strongly associated with a reduced quality of life, a lack of productivity, and increased unemployment (Mechanic, McAlpine, Rosenfield, & Davis, 1994). Veterans with a mental illness can also face issues of readjusting to civilian life, which can put a strain on social relationships (Haselden, Piscitelli, & Dixon, 2016). Additionally, severe TBI can result in uncontrolled aggressive behaviors, violence, and impulsive behaviors (Blodgett, Fuh, Maisel, & Midboe, 2013).…”