Experiences of the family living with severe mental illness: a qualitative study in Navarre

Abstract

Background. It is estimated that 1% of the general population suffers from severe mental illness (SMI). In most cases, families are the ones providing support and direct care to the ill relative, which in turn results in the family being the unit that lives with the mental illness. In Spain, two key aspects have been barely explored: the relationship between the family and the mental health system; and the knowledge of families and the possible transfer of such knowledge to other families. The aim of this paper is to contribute to exploring these two aspects. Methods. A qualitative study with a narrative approach was implemented in the Foral Community of Navarre (Spain). The study consisted of in-depth interviews with families living with SMI. Two interviews were conducted with each family (which included the individual diagnosed with a mental illness). A multimodal analysis (structural, thematic and dialogical) was conducted with each family. Comparative analyses between families were also performed. Results. A total of 6 families were interviewed with a total of 18 participants. Findings were grouped around two central categories: requirements of families and family to family. The first category includes improving relationships with mental health providers, medications, psychosocial rehabilitation centers and supporting families. The second category includes recommendations from the perspective of the relative with a SMI and those without it. Conclusions. Families would like to receive a higher degree of support from mental-health providers. At the same time, families should be considered as important sources of knowledge and support for the treatment of other families living with SMI

Fundamento: La enfermedad mental grave compromete al 1% de la población, siendo la familia, en gran parte de los casos, la que apoya, cuida y acompaña, y de esta forma convive con la enfermedad. La relación entre la familia y el sistema de salud ha sido poco explorada en España, así como los aprendizajes de la familia puestos al servicio de otras familias, de forma que el objetivo del presente artículo es aportar en estos dos aspectos. Material y métodos: En la Comunidad Foral de Navarra (España) se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo de tipo narrativo, realizando entrevistas a profundidad a familias que conviven con la enfermedad mental grave. Se realizaron dos entrevistas a cada familia (incluyendo a la persona con el diagnóstico de enfermedad mental) y posteriormente se realizó un análisis multimodal (estructural, temático y dialógico) de cada familia y un análisis entre familias. Resultados: Se entrevistaron seis familias y dieciocho participantes. Se encontraron dos categorías: requerimientos de las familias y de familia a familia. En los requerimientos se destacan la optimización de la relación con los profesionales de la salud, los medicamentos, los centros de rehabilitación psicosocial y el apoyo a las familias. En la segunda categoría se encuentran recomendaciones desde la perspectiva del familiar con enfermedad y de los familiares sin enfermedad. Conclusiones: Las familias desean mayor acompañamiento por los profesionales sanitarios, y a la vez son una fuente de aprendizajes que pueden ser utilizados para el proceso de recuperación de otras familias.