d, The Bowen Center). Systems therapy is based on the premise that family members form unconscious or conscious alliances. Triangular relationships in which different people are engaged in conflicts with one another, projections upon other family members, passing negative coping mechanisms from generation to generation are all examples of how family units can behave in a dysfunctional manner. When a member has a certifiable mental illness, these dynamics can be exacerbated. Systems therapy can help all members of the family better understand the negative and positive roles they are playing in a positive fashion. Using such intense methods as family systems therapy is controversial with schizophrenia, given that it can be difficult for the patient to fully participate in the self-analysis required of conventional 'talk' therapy. However, once the patient's symptoms are bought under control, this is less of a concern. Furthermore, even when the patient is fully symptomatic, the patient's family may still have issues they need to discuss. Involving the family in the patient's treatment also requires sensitivity and awareness of the needs of the family. Making the family feel involved can increase support for and compliance with treatment on the part of the patient by creating a more stable network between different family members.

Research proposal

The research proposal will involve a study of schizophrenic patients. One control...

The second, experimental group will receive a combination of drug therapy, as deemed appropriate for the patients' specific conditions, and family therapy, which will involve members of the patient's family.
Over the course of the study, the family will be monitored for perceived levels of stress, using a questionnaire submitted at the beginning and end of the processes. Family members will also be interviewed for qualitative data. The patient's compliance with drug treatment and exhibition of symptoms will likewise be tracked and monitored in the two groups through questionnaires and interviews. The research will attempt to answer the question: can family therapy mitigate the stresses of care-giving to a schizophrenic patient? And can family therapy improve the success rate of current treatment for schizophrenia? Although there will be varying degrees of severity amongst the patient, the overall improvement of the patient will be tracked, not merely the extent to which the patient manifests symptoms.

References

Bowen theory. (n.d). The Bowen Center. Retrieved June 14, 2011 at http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html

The causes of schizophrenia. (2010). Schizophrenia.com. Retrieved June 14, 2011 at http://www.schizophrenia.com/hypo.php#genes