Which of the following is true regarding the relationship between expressed emotion and relapse in patients with schizophrenia?

• A. Expressed emotion only affects relapse rates in patients with mood disorders, not schizophrenia.
• B. Low levels of expressed emotion in family members are associated with an increased risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.
• C. Expressed emotion has no impact on the likelihood of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.
• D. High levels of expressed emotion in family members are associated with an increased risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of expressed emotion (EE), which refers to the critical, hostile, and emotionally over-involved attitudes that family members may display toward a relative with a mental disorder.
2. Recognize that expressed emotion is an important psychosocial factor studied in relation to relapse rates in various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.
3. Review research findings that show high levels of expressed emotion in family members—characterized by criticism, hostility, or emotional over-involvement—are linked to a higher risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.
4. Contrast this with low levels of expressed emotion, which are generally associated with a lower risk of relapse, indicating a more supportive family environment.
5. Conclude that the statement 'High levels of expressed emotion in family members are associated with an increased risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia' is true, while the other options are incorrect based on empirical evidence.