Abstract

JASNIEVSKI, Clarissa Regina et al. Treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform: family members’ perceptions. Colomb. Med. [online]. 2011, vol.42, n.2, suppl.1, pp. 63-69. ISSN 1657-9534.

Objective: To apprehend family members’ perceptions on treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform. Methodology: Qualitative exploratory research carried out in 2010 at a psychiatric hospital in Paraná State/Brazil. Ten family members of mental patients were the subjects. Data were collected by means of a semistructured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: From the analysis, three categories emerged: Treatment of mental patients in the presence of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform; Outpatient Mental Health Services; Family members’ physical and emotional distress. Discussion: The families perceived a new way of treating mental patients based on social reinsertion with the participation of a multiprofessional team. Conclusion: More support is deemed necessary on the part of mental patients’ families mediated by Brazilian public policies.

Keywords : Mental health; Family; Public policies; Qualitative research; Nursing; Mentally ill persons.