<b>Living with a schizophrenic individual: a family perspective</b> doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i4.21652

Abstract

A qualitative-descriptive study that aimed to identify the perception of a family in relation to living with a schizophrenic family member. Involved ten family members of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were admitted to a Center for Psychosocial Care (CAPS) in a municipality of Rio Grande do Sul / Brazil. Data was collected through open interviews and followed all ethical research involving humans. Family life is difficult, permeated by feelings such as fear, worry, sadness and suffering related to the burden imposed, as well as ignorance regarding the disease and how to deal with the family member. Drug and psychosocial treatment becomes the facilitators on the family quotidian. There are gap that need to be filled, including assistance to the family and implementation of new technologies integrating mental health care, as well as the participation of relatives in the care given, which implies a greater responsibility of managers to the families.