Abstract

PEREIRA, Maria Alice Ornellas  and  PEREIRA JR., Alfredo. Mental disorders: difficulties faced by the family. Rev. esc. enferm. USP [online]. 2003, vol.37, n.4, pp. 92-100. ISSN 0080-6234.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342003000400011.

Using a qualitative methodology (open interviews, story-drawing and thematic analysis), we identify and analyze 4 categories (temporal mismatching, guilt, conflict and loss) found in the discourse of mothers (and one sister) of psychiatric patients receiving treatment at the Center for Psycho-Social Care (NAPS) in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, and also evaluate the importance of such categories with a view to understanding the dynamical relationships among mental health services, patients and their families.

Keywords : Mental disorders; Family; Interpersonal relations; Psychiatric nursing.