Abstract

MACHADO, Vanessa  and  SANTOS, Manoel Antônio dos. Family experiences of patients with psychiatric rehospitalization. Aletheia [online]. 2013, n.40, pp.111-119. ISSN 1413-0394.

The aim of the study was to examine the family experiences of patients with psychiatric rehospitalization, from the viewpoint of patients themselves. A qualitative approach was used with semi-structured interviews applied to 22 patients with psychiatric rehospitalization. Data interpretation was based on the emerging paradigm of Psychosocial Care. The data analysis indicated the ambivalence of feelings present in the family relationship, the limits of care, family´s lack of knowledge about how to act before the intensity of their feelings and behaviors. It was identified the stigma that mental illness carries and how it manifests itself in family relationships. Family´s decision for admission was related to the following meanings: only resource against not knowing how to handle the situation, temporary solution that relieves family burden and, thus, admission incorporating the daily activities of the family. Analyzing the reports, it was evident the importance of including the family, as leading figure, in the set of mental health interventions.

Keywords : Psychiatric rehospitalization; Family experiences; Psychossocial Care.

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