Patterns of Contact of Patients' Families With Mental Health Professionals and Attitudes Toward Professionals

Previous studies have shown that many relatives of mentally ill persons are dissatisfied with their relationships with mental health professionals. In this study, 274 relatives or close friends of 168 recently discharged mental patients reported on 1,198 separate contacts with mental health professionals during the course of the patient's illness. Primary kin, such as parents and spouses, were most likely to be in contact with professionals. Different types of professionals were more likely to be in contact with relatives at different points in the patient's illness. Relatives' satisfaction varied significantly for the different types of professionals. Depending on the reason for the contact, 53 to 73 percent of the relatives reported being very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome. Respondents were most satisfied with their contacts with psychologists, followed by nurses, case managers, social workers, and psychiatrists.