“We’re not moving forward”: Carers’ demand for novel research and effective interventions for psychotic disorders

The lack of access to effective interventions for psychotic disorders places a considerable burden on informal caregivers. At the same time, the convergence of clinical neurosciences and next-generation genomics has the potential to transform psychiatric care. This article presents findings from a qualitative study. I conducted focus groups with carers of a person suffering from psychosis. I investigated how carers conceptualise the ethical issues arising from novel neurobiological approaches to psychosis. On the one hand, carers pictured a narrative of hope. They strongly demanded novel research and effective interventions that might help their ill relative to recover and lead a flourishing life. On the other hand, carers were frustrated at their present situation and feared that technological innovation might produce more harm than benefits. I argue that carers’ moral outlook can be best understood by referring to an ethics of care. This study suggests that investigating carers’ perspectives on sensitive ethical issues is vital to ensure that the needs of those who suffer from psychosis are appropriately met.