randomized controlled study measuring the effectiveness of Stigma focused intervention in patients suffering from Schizophrenia

Effectiveness of A Stigma Directed Intervention Program in Schizophrenia

It is a Randomized Controlled trial that aims at:

• Assessment of the relationship between self- stigma and

  1. Family burden on the caregiver (Family member).
  2. Medication adherence by patients.

• Assessment of the effectiveness of the family incorporation in the process of psychoeducation delivered to the patients suffering from Schizophrenia on the self-stigma and family burden of patients with Schizophrenia patients.

The study will be held in Mansoura University hospital Psychiatry department and will include 80 Egyptian patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder will be recruited from Psychiatry department of Mansoura University Hospital

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients meet the diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM5.The clinical condition is stabilized.
2. Age range between 18 to 50 years.
3. Male and female sexes are included.
4. Availability of close relative in direct contact with the patient.

Inclusion Criteria for the family members:

1. Primary caregiver and the family member share household with patient.
2. No history of receiving treatment of psychiatric disorders.
3. No history of serious head trauma.

Exclusion Criteria :

1. Co morbid substance abuse or dependence disorder.
2. Co morbid intellectual disability.
3. Co morbid chronic medical or neurological condition or history of serious head trauma.

Exclusion Criteria for family members:

-Sever physical illness that hinders their participation- -

the outcome will be assessed by a different personnel than the investigator conducting the sessions of the intervention. The outcomes assessor will be blinded to which arm each participant belongs.