Objective: This study aimed to examine attitudes, knowledge about disease and needs of relatives of schizophrenic patients.
Method: Questions concerning needs and wishes addressed to professionals were added to the "Questionnaire of attitudes concerning disease for relatives". The questionnaire was distributed to relatives participating in the workshop at Bezirksklinikum Regensburg and sent by post to non-participating relatives.
Results: The relatives of both groups were predominantly comparable regarding attitudes, knowledge and needs. Mainly they wished more dialogue with therapists. Information about schizophrenia was assessed as very important. Relatives participating in the workshop reported significantly more frequently that the atmosphere in the family is strained and that they understand the nature of the illness less than non-participating relatives. They reproached themselves more frequently, but felt less depressive than non-participating relatives. 95% of the participating relatives were satisfied or very satisfied with the workshop. They assessed self-help groups for relatives of schizophrenics as more important than non-participating relatives.
Conclusion: Workshops for relatives of schizophrenic patients have proved to be economic and well accepted to contact many relatives and to give attention to their problems.