The importance of the family is identified in the literature since the beginning of the XIX
century. The change in public policies in Brazil, influenced by the Psychiatric Reform and the
Antiasylum Fight, highlights the role of the family of the patient with mental disorder. It is
known that the family builds unique approaches in order to deal with their suffering and their
relative. Thus, this study of the Institutional Program of Scientific Initiation Scholarships -
PIBIC, seeks to know the concepts of family members about the disease of patients with
mental disorders treated in Araújo Lima Clinic, of the Federal University of Amazonas. For
this, we used a qualitative approach, descriptive type and exploratory nature. Were carried out
14 semi-open interviews, recorded and full transcribed for later analysis, in the period from
August 2008 to July 2009. Data were analyzed using the Hermeneutic Dialectic approach.
When asked about defining the issue of his relative, the respondents answered inaccurately.
All responses were started with "I do not know" or "I think...", reflecting the absence of more
objective definition for the family. The term disease has used rarely by the family. The
answers concerning the cause of the mental disorder can be divided into organic and
psychosocial causes, in some cases with overlapping. The strategies used by family members
interviewed in moments of crisis alternated from attitudes of greeting to acts of correction and
punishment. Most respondents proved to be optimistic about the healing and the future of
their loved. In 14 interviews, two had the answer "I do not know" or "No" to cure, the rest
divided into answers which referred to the patient's progress to date, confidence in treatment
and faith in God. As for the future, eleven believe the patient is well, relating the welfare
generally into success in studies and careers. This paper presents a new vision for
professionals to family members living with mental disorders. It is thus important to know the
perception of mental illness on the family, as they construct their concepts adding information
to their experiences of the health team. It is perceived the disorientation and lack of support
for families who live with the disorder. From this research, it is expected to bring near the
views of health professional and people living with mental illness, to intervene in public
policy and offer better service to patients and their families.
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