Observing multifamily groups in a psychiatric institution

Abstract

CONTEXT: Several practices that include the family in a psychiatric institution were investigated. The focus was on the multifamily group, which is a privileged space for assistance. GOAL: There was an attempt to understand how families are assisted, raising the main questions observed in different groups. METHODS: Participant observation was conducted in the child and youth sector, the Day-Hospital, the Center for Alzheimer Disease and other dementia (CDA), and in the Program for Studies and Assistance in Inappropriate Use of Drugs (PROJAD). RESULTS: It was observed that in the multifamily group the catharsis, the account of conflicts and the sharing of information produce a network effect. Family members work together, and families engage in a conversation that helps building a supportive community. DISCUSSION: In the face of the questions raised, it is important to discuss multifamily group, relating it to multifamily group therapy, groups of psychoeducation, and to the work in social networks. It was concluded that the routine in a psychiatric institution has been including the family, but it is necessary to analyze the demands and systematize the assistance conducted with groups.