Explain what is meant by expressed emotion (EE) and why researchers have been so interested in it. Discuss its relevance to our understanding of schizophrenia and other disorders

Answer:

EE is an aspect of disturbed communication within families where one member suffers from schizophrenia. It is associated with family members who make statements that reflect negative or intrusive attitudes toward the patient. Family members may express hostility toward the patient or be repeatedly critical. Other family members appear to be overprotective or too closely identified with the patient. Patients who live in a family high in EE were more likely to relapse than patients from low EE families. Average relapse rates are 52 percent for patients in high EE families and 22 percent for patients in low EE families. However, the influence of EE is not unique to schizophrenia. Patients with mood disorders, eating disorders, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are also more likely to relapse following discharge from a hospital if they are living with a high EE relative.