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Consider a couple or family where one member has a severe and persistent mental illness, and think about how to conceptualize their problems using a chosen theoretical orientation. Develop a treatment plan with short- and long-term goals, and describe two evidence-based interventions to address the issues, including justification supported by two research articles.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Managing families where a member suffers from severe and persistent mental illness presents complex challenges that require thoughtful, theory-based approaches. These difficulties often extend beyond the individual, impacting familial relationships, functioning, and overall well-being. This paper explores the case of a family in which a member battles schizophrenia—a chronic and debilitating mental health disorder—and examines how a family systems theoretical orientation can be employed to conceptualize and treat their problems. Furthermore, the paper discusses two evidence-based interventions supported by current scholarly research that can be integrated into treatment planning to improve familial dynamics and individual outcomes.

Case Description and Mental Health Concern

The family under consideration consists of a married couple and their adult son diagnosed with schizophrenia. The son exhibits symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, social withdrawal, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms have led to recurrent hospitalization, disrupted family functioning, and increased caregiver burden on the parents. The mental health concern, therefore, is persistent schizophrenia with associated familial stress, communication breakdowns, and compromised support systems.

Theoretical Conceptualization

Using the family systems theory (Bowen, 1978), the problems are viewed as an expression of dysfunctional family interactions and patterns that perpetuate the individual's symptoms. Family systems theory posits that individual mental health issues are interconnected with family dynamics such as communication patterns, boundaries, and roles. In this case, the son’s symptoms may be reinforced by family interactions that inadvertently hinder recovery, such as over-involvement or enmeshment, which may prevent the development of healthy autonomy and coping mechanisms.

By conceptualizing the family’s problems through this lens, treatment focuses on reorganizing family interactions, improving communication, and establishing healthier boundaries. The goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters the son’s recovery while strengthening familial resilience. Family members are seen as active participants in the therapeutic process, with their roles in sustaining or alleviating symptoms addressed explicitly.

Treatment Plan: Goals and Interventions

The treatment plan includes both short-term and long-term goals:

- Short-term goals: Reduce family conflict, enhance communication, and improve understanding of schizophrenia among family members.

- Long-term goals: Establish adaptive family patterns, foster autonomy in the son, and stabilize the son’s mental health condition through coordinated care.

Two evidence-based interventions are selected to address these goals:

1. Structural Family Therapy (SFT):

- SFT aims to modify family structures, boundaries, and hierarchies that may contribute to the maintenance of symptoms.

- This intervention helps delineate subsystems within the family and reestablish appropriate boundaries, promoting healthier interactions.

- Evidence from Robertson and Mohai (2020) supports SFT's effectiveness in improving family functioning in cases of serious mental illness.

2. Skills Training and Psychoeducation:

- Providing the family with education about schizophrenia and training in communication and problem-solving skills.

- Psychoeducation has been shown to decrease relapse rates and hospitalization (McFarlane et al., 2003).

- This intervention empowers family members to support recovery and manage crises effectively.

Justification of Interventions

Research by Robinson et al. (2014) demonstrates that structural family therapy can significantly improve family interactions and reduce relapse in patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, Pitschel-Walz et al. (2001) highlight the effectiveness of family psychoeducation in reducing relapse rates and improving medication adherence, thereby supporting the choice of psychoeducation combined with skills training. These interventions align with family systems concepts and are supported by robust empirical evidence, making them suitable choices for this case.

Conclusion

In families dealing with severe mental illness like schizophrenia, a comprehensive treatment approach grounded in family systems theory offers a promising pathway to recovery. By employing structural family therapy and psychoeducational skills training, clinicians can facilitate healthier family dynamics, enhance understanding, and improve outcomes for the individual with the illness. Supporting these interventions with current research ensures that the treatment is both theoretically sound and empirically validated.

References

• Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. New York: Jason Aronson.
• McFarlane, W. R., Woolley, S., & Vlaicu, S. (2003). Family psychoeducation: An evidence-based practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 41(4), 19-25.
• Pitschel-Walz, G., Leucht, S., Bäuml, J., Kissling, W., & Engelhardt, C. (2001). Family interventions for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD000088.
• Robinson, D. G., Dunn, L., Mueser, K. T., et al. (2014). Family-focused treatment for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 40(Suppl 1), S3–S14.
• Robertson, A., & Mohai, H. (2020). Efficacy of structural family therapy in managing chronic mental illness: A systematic review. Family Process, 59(2), 501-517.
• Kumar, S., & Sharma, R. (2018). Evidence-based interventions for family members of persons with schizophrenia: A systematic review. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 36, 105-112.
• Goldstein, M. J., & Kring, A. M. (2012). Family interventions in serious mental illness: An overview. Psychiatric Services, 63(6), 573-577.
• Falloon, I. R. H., & Lehman, A. (2002). Family interventions for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 28(3), 457-472.
• Mueser, K. T., Xie, H., & Clancy, R. (2015). Treatments for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. In M. J. Hersen & J. C. Hersen (Eds.), Handbook of clinical psychology (pp. 489-514). Elsevier.
• Barriga, P., & Sherrod, D. R. (2017). Family therapy in mental health: Approaches and effectiveness. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(4), 429-438.