Experiences of families when a member is in forensic psychiatric care: a phenomenologically based thematic interview study

TL;DR

This study explores how families cope when a member is in forensic psychiatric care, highlighting their struggles and unmet support needs.

Contribution

The study introduces a phenomenological understanding of family experiences in forensic psychiatric care.

Findings

Families face constant uncertainty and emotional strain due to legal and psychiatric complexities.

Maintaining family relationships is challenging due to restrictions and communication barriers.

Healthcare professionals can support families through empathetic communication and active listening.

Abstract

This article focuses on the meaning of being a family when a member of the family is cared for in forensic psychiatric care. The latter operates at the crossroads of psychiatric services and the legal system, making it a highly complex area of care. Families play a vital role in supporting recovery from mental illness, however, when a family member has committed a crime and suffers from severe mental illness, pressure and stress of a complex nature are felt by the family. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of families when a member is in forensic psychiatric care.

Seven family interviews (15 participants) were conducted and analyzed with a Reflective lifeworld approach in this phenomenological study.

The findings reveal four themes; Being constantly affected by uncertainty; A struggle to maintain family relations – overcoming barriers in the form of restrictions; Trying to help despite inherent powerlessness and It is not just the patient who needs to heal when the family is wounded.

A family with a family member who is being cared for in forensic psychiatric care have support needs that are not fulfilled, even though these have been highlighted from several different perspectives. Healthcare professionals might be able to provide substantial support to the family by using simple yet effective methods, such as active listening and empathetic communication. By fostering an open dialogue and understanding, caregivers can help bridge gaps and facilitate better outcomes. A family-oriented practice should thus become a fundamental component of caregiving strategies in forensic psychiatric care.