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Caregiver psychoeducation for first-episode psychosis
- Source :
-
European Psychiatry . Jan2010, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p33-38. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Introduction: International best-practice guidelines for the management of first-episode psychosis have recommended the provision of psychoeducation for multifamily groups. While there is ample evidence of their efficacy in multiepisode psychosis, there is a paucity of evidence supporting this approach specifically for first-episode psychosis. We sought to determine whether a six-week caregiver psychoeducation programme geared specifically at first-episode psychosis improves caregiver knowledge and attitudes. Methods: Caregivers of people with first-episode psychosis completed a 23-item adapted version of the self-report Family Questionnaire (KQ) and a 17-item adapted version of the self-report Drug Attitudes Inventory (DAI) before and after the six-week DETECT Information and Support Course (DISC). Using a Generalised Linear Repeated Measures Model, we analyzed the differences in proportions of correct answers before and after the programme. Results: Over a 24-month study period, 31 caregivers (13 higher socioeconomic; 13 lower socioeconomic; five unspecified socioeconomic; 19 female; 12 male) participated in the DISC programme and completed inventories before and after the course. Knowledge of psychosis and specific knowledge of medication treatment improved among caregivers overall (p <.01; effect sizes 0.78 and 0.94 respectively). There were no significant gender or socioeconomic differences in any improvement. Discussion: This study confirms that caregiver psychoeducation specifically for first-episode psychosis directly improves knowledge of the illness overall and, in particular, knowledge of medication. Gender is not a factor in this, while the lack of any socioeconomic differences dispels the myth that patients in lower socioeconomic groups are disadvantaged because their caregivers know less. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09249338
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Psychiatry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 47609772
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.08.006