Evidence base for Multiple Family Therapy (MFT) in non‐psychiatric conditions and problems: a review (part 2)

Abstract

AbstractThis article provides an updated overview of the empirical literature regarding Multiple Family Therapy's (MFT) applications to non‐psychiatric conditions and problems. Although the evidence is not as strong for these disorders as for psychiatric disorders, the benefits of MFT approaches are apparent in the following areas: family management of several severe chronic medical illnesses; prevention of educational failure and exclusion; and treatment of marital distress. MFT research in non‐psychiatric settings has been faced with unique challenges that have mitigated the quality and quantity of outcome and process research produced over the past decade. Future research efforts should focus on: (1) stronger commitment to the evaluation of ongoing MFT programmes; (2) identification and manualization of major MFT programmes; (3) more Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of MFT programmes in community settings; and (4) higher priority for research on MFT's change processes and patterns of interaction.Practitioner points The treatment of chronic physical diseases is optimized by involving family members, and MFT is a valuable way of doing so: workshops delivered in brief formats are most feasible MFT should be considered for non‐psychiatric problems with the risk of isolation and stigmatization. The presence of other families sharing the same challenges is very useful MFT practitioners should attempt to operationalize their MFT model and include an evaluation component in their therapeutic implementation as routine practice