Efficacy of a brief intervention for carers of people with first-episode psychosis: A waiting list controlled study

Abstract

Objectives: While family psycho-education for schizophrenia is well-supported, the efficacy of family intervention for first-episode psychosis is less studied. This waiting list controlled study set out to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week intervention for carers of people with first-episode psychosis. Participants and Methods: Carers were randomised into experimental or waiting list categories. Study 1 compared various outcome measures in the 2 categories. Study 2 evaluated the treatment effects. Results: After the intervention, carers showed increased knowledge about psychosis and a reduction in negative ways of coping. The improvement in knowledge was maintained at 6-month follow-up, and trends towards improved caregiving burden and coping were also evident. Conclusions: A brief intervention programme can be effective in improving important variables such as knowledge, coping, and caregiving burden. The implications for selecting 'core components' for an effective intervention were discussed. © 2006 Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists.