Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting millions globally, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive deficits, leading to psychosocial challenges and relapse risks. Relapse prevention is essential, as psychotic relapses worsen symptoms and quality of life while increasing burdens on families. Effective strategies combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including psychosocial therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family-focused programs. Family psycho-education has proven to reduce relapse rates, improve medication adherence, and enhance social functioning, while tools like Information Technology Aided Relapse Prevention Programme in Schizophrenia effectively monitor early warning signs.

Family involvement plays a crucial role in care, helping reduce readmission rates and sustain remission. Comprehensive relapse prevention programs empower families to better manage symptoms, but accessibility remains a challenge. Structural reforms and affordable, scalable strategies are needed to expand these interventions and enhance family engagement. Future research should focus on broadening access and raising awareness of these effective approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Reference: The Effectiveness of Relapse Prevention Intervention on the Ability of Patients and Their Families to Prevent Psychotic symptoms of Relapse among Patients with Schizophrenia: Systematic Literature Review. MLU. 2021;21(3):392-402. doi:10.37506/mlu.v21i3.3018.