Impact of Expressed Emotion on Illness Severity in Patient Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Introduction: Schizophrenia is one of the serious mental disorders characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, cognition, behavior and social interactions. High levels of EE within a family may in part be a reflection of the overall caregiver’s burden and the manifestations of symptoms in the patients. However, high-EE families of schizophrenia patients show a number of maladaptive behaviours. These include the frequent internalization of criticisms and/or inadequate expression of emotions and thoughts in response to criticisms from both patient and caregiver, which can increase the risk for relapse. Aim: The aim of the study to measure the impact of expressed emotion on illness severity in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methodology: The study was conducted among randomly chosen 60 patients with schizophrenia and their family members. Sample had collected after informed about the nature and purpose of the study. Tools:  PANSS were administered and their family members were administered with GHQ and Attitude Questionnaire for EE. Result: Result showing that there was a statistically significant correlation (r) between EE and severity of illness in schizophrenia. Conclusion: High Express Emotion (EE) is significant family stressors resulting for relationship problems among the caregivers and patients with mental illnesses and which is also a strong predictor of schizophrenic course. High EE may worsen the severity of illness in schizophrenia disease.