Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine longer-termeffectiveness of a needs-based family intervention for carers andout-patients suffering from schizophrenia. METHOD: Seventy-nine unselectedpatient-carer pairs were recruited from a geographical area and allocatedrandomly to one of two conditions. One group received needs-basedcognitive-behavioural family intervention in combination with generalfamily support plus the standard care. The control group received thegeneral family support and standard care only. RESULTS: Analysis wascarried out on an intention-to-treat basis. There was a significantadvantage for family intervention, in terms of relapse (37% relapsedcompared to 72%, NNT=3) and on other clinical measures. Treatment groupand medication compliance were significant and independent predictors ofrelapse. There was a significant reduction in carer needs in theintervention group. CONCLUSION: Family intervention directed at carers'needs within a standard mental health service can produce benefits forpatients beyond the term of intervention.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Acta Psychiatr Scand |
| Volume | 104( 5) |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2001 |
Keywords
- Adult
- psychology: Caregivers
- Cognitive Therapy
- Community Mental Health Services
- Family Therapy
- Female
- Human
- Male
- Middle Age
- Needs Assessment
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- rehabilitation: Schizophrenia
- Schizophrenic Psychology
- Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Treatment Outcome
