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A randomized controlled trial of moderated online social therapy for family carers of first-episode psychosis patients in a specialist treatment setting.

Authors :
Gleeson JFM
Koval P
Zyphur M
Lederman R
Herrman H
Eleftheriadis D
Bendall S
Cotton SM
Gorelik A
Alvarez-Jimenez M
Source :
Schizophrenia research [Schizophr Res] 2023 May; Vol. 255, pp. 203-212. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Mar 31.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Background: Family members, who provide the majority of informal care during the recovery period from first-episode psychosis (FEP), experience high levels of psychological distress. However, there is a lack of effective and accessible interventions for FEP carers.<br />Objective: To determine the effectiveness of an online intervention ("Altitudes") in relation to the primary outcome of FEP-carer stress at 6 months follow-up.<br />Methods: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in which FEP carers were randomized to Altitudes combined with specialized treatment as usual (STAU) or STAU alone. In addition to questionnaires, we included multiple waves of intensive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to measure carer stress and family outcomes in 164 carers of young (15-27 years) FEP patients.<br />Results: Both groups improved over time on stress and a range of secondary outcomes, including mental health symptoms, self-efficacy, and expressed emotion with no group by time interactions. At 12 months there were significantly fewer visits to emergency departments by FEP patients in the Altitudes group (p = 0.022). Modelling of multiple EMA waves revealed that more time spent by carers with FEP patients predicted greater worry, expressed emotion, and adaptive coping.<br />Conclusions: Engagement and usability findings for Altitudes were positive. Further refinements to our online carer interventions may be needed to engage carers in purposeful skill development for improved management of stress and communication with the young person compared with existing specialist family interventions.<br />Trial Registration: ACTRN12616000968471.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None.<br /> (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1573-2509
Volume :
255
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Schizophrenia research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37004332
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.019