| Abstract: | Discusses the stresses and burdens on families of mentally ill (MI) individuals, including stigmatization, and problems in dealing with mental health (MH) professionals. Converging historical events, new biogenetic research findings; widening recognition of the dimensions of family burden; deinstitutionalization, have led to a reconceptualization of the family role. The growth and influence of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill have also been part of the historical process and have contributed to the new respect for families of MI individuals. The new and collaborative model of clinician–family relationships has done much to destigmatize families, to reorient the thinking of many MH professionals, and to alleviate the burden of families of MI individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
