Family psychoeducational support groups in schizophrenia.

Family members of 55 patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to a psychoeducational support group or to a control group. Support group participants showed greater knowledge of schizophrenia and greater satisfaction with health care services than did control group members. Psychological distress, coping behavior, and family satisfaction did not appear affected by support group participation; nor were support groups associated with lower rehospitalization rates for patients.