Family psychoeducational interventions for schizophrenia in routine settings: impact on patients' clinical status and social functioning and on relatives' burden and resources

2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Corrado de Rosa ◽  
Grazia Favata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Functioning ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

SUMMARYObjective — This study explored the effectiveness of a psychoeducational family intervention for schizophrenia on patients' clinical status and disability and relatives' burden and perceived support. Methods — The study has been carried out in 17 mental health centres. In each of them, 2 professionals were trained in a psychoeducational intervention and applied it for six months with families of users with schizophrenia. At baseline and six months later, patients' clinical status and disability, and relatives' burden, social network and professional support were assessed by validated tools. Results — Of the seventy-one recruited families, 48 (68%) completed the intervention. At six months, a significant improvement was found in patients' clinical status and social functioning, as well as in relatives' burden and social and professional support. In particular, the percentage of patients with poor or very poor global social functioning dropped from 50% to 27% at six months. Forty percent of patients and 45% of relatives reported a significant improvement in their social contacts over the intervention period. Conclusions — The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that psychoeducational family interventions may have a significant effect on social outcome and family burden in schizophrenia when provided in routine conditions.Declaration of Interest: none of the authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work. None of the authors has received any form of fee for his/her participation in this study. This study was supported by grants received from the “M. Lugli” Foundation (grant n. 2/18/8) and from the National Institute of Health, Italy (grant no. 1AL/F3).

Benefits and difficulties in implementing family psychoeducational interventions for schizophrenia in mental health services: results from a multicentre Italian study

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Corrado De Rosa ◽  
Grazia Favata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Training And Supervision ◽  
Trained Staff ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

SUMMARYAims – This study aims to explore: a) the feasibility of psycho-educational interventions for families of users with schizophrenia in clinical practice by trained staff; b) the benefits and problems encountered by professionals in the use of these interventions. Methods – 46 professionals from 23 Italian Mental Health Sen'ices (MHS) attended at a three-module training course in psycho-educational interventions and four supervisions in the subsequent year. Following the course, participants provided the intervention to families of users with schizophrenia. The difficulties and benefits encountered by trainees to use the intervention were registered on the Family Intervention Schedule.Results – 83% of the participants completed the training course. Following the course, the intervention started in 71 families from 17 MHS. 76% of trainees provided the intervention to 2-5 families, while 13% of them only held informative sessions on schizophrenia. During the supervision period, the organisational difficulties experienced by the professionals were stable, while the benefits increased. Differences in benefits and difficulties were detected in relation to the trainees’ experience and professional roles. Conclusions – It is possible to introduce psycho-educational interventions in MHS after a relatively brief period of training and supervision of the staff. Organisational difficulties need to be addressed to increase the dissemination of these interventions on a large scale.Declaration of Interest: None of the authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work. None of the authors has received any form of fee for his/her participation in this study. This study was supported by grants received from the “M. Lugli” Foundation (grant n. 2/18/8) and from the National Institute of Health, Italy (grant no. 1AL/F3).

The effect of family psychoeducational interventions on patients with depression

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 2209-2209 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Fiorillo ◽  
C. Malangone ◽  
V. Del Vecchio ◽  
C. De Rosa ◽  
M. Luciano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

While the efficacy of family psychoeducational interventions in the treatment of schizophrenia is now well documented, few data are available on its efficacy in major depression. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a family psychoeducational intervention according to the Falloon model on patients’ clinical status, social functioning and lifestyle and on relatives’ burden and social network.The study was coordinated by the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Naples SUN and carried out in 7 Italian mental health centres. In each centre, 8 patients with major depression and their relatives were recruited if they fulfilled the following criteria: a) diagnosis of unipolar major depression according to the DSM-IV; b) aged between 18 and 65 years; c) in charge to the local mental health centre for at least 6 months; d) at least one depressive episode in the last two years; e) living with at least one relative aged between 18 and 70 years.Recruited families have been randomly allocated to the experimental group, which received the psychoducational intervention for 6 months, or to the control group, which received the treatment as usual plus an informative brief intervention.22 families have been treated with the experimental intervention and 22 with the control one. At the end of the intervention, patients’ clinical status and life-style significantly improved in the treated group, as well as family objective burden and social contacts.Family psychoeducational intervention are useful in reducing personal and family difficulties caused by depression and in improving patients’ lifestyles.

Burden, attitudes and social support in the families of patients with long-term physical diseases

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Magliano ◽  
Andrea Fiorillo ◽  
Corrado De Rosa ◽  
Claudio Malangone ◽  
Mario Maj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Physical Diseases

SummaryAims – To describe in a sample of 646 relatives of patients with physical long-term illnesses: a) the relatives' burden of care; b) the relatives' attitudes towards the patients; c) the social and professional support received by the families. Methods – The study has been carried out in 30 Italian geographic areas randomly selected taking into account geographic location and population density. The sample has been consecutively recruited in 139 specialised units for the treatment of chronic heart, brain, diabetes, kidney, and lung diseases. Family burden was evaluated in relation to: a) family's socio-demographic variables and patients' clinical variables; b) relatives' attitudes toward the patient; c) social and professional support; d) geographic area and population density. Outcome measures – Family Problems Questionnaire, physical illness version (QPF-O) and Social Network Questionnaire (QRS). Results – The consequences of caregiving most frequently reported were constraints in social and recreational activities, and feelings of loss. Burden was more marked in relatives of patients with higher physical disabilities, with neurological illnesses, and in relatives with lower support by their social network. Conclusions – These data highlight the need to provide psychological and practical support to caregivers of patients with long-term physical diseases on the basis of the evaluation of their needs for care.Declaration of Interest: none of the five authors has had any interest or received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work, in the last 2 years.

scholarly journals Adolescents’ Empowerment for Mental Health Literacy in School: A Pilot Study on ProLiSMental Psychoeducational Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8022
Author(s):  
Tânia Morgado ◽  
Luís Loureiro ◽  
Maria Antónia Rebelo Botelho ◽  
Maria Isabel Marques ◽  
José Ramón Martínez-Riera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Psychiatric Nurses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

Adolescence is a critical life phase for mental health and anxiety an emerging challenge for adolescents. Psychoeducational interventions to promote mental health literacy (MHL) on anxiety in adolescents are needed. This study aimed to test the primary outcome of a future full-scale trial: improvement of adolescents’ anxiety MHL components on recognition, prevention strategies, and self-help strategies. A sample of 38 adolescents, 24 (63.2%) females and 14 (36.8%) males, with an average age of 14.50 years (SD = 0.89) participated in this study. Each class was allocated to the intervention group (IG, n = 21) or the waiting list control group (WLCG, n = 17) with single-blinded randomization. MHL was assessed using the QuALiSMental. The ProLiSMental psychoeducational intervention consists of four or eight weekly sessions of 90 or 45 min for adolescents, using different active pedagogical methods and techniques. There also are initial and final sessions with adolescents, legal guardians, and teachers. There was a significant improvement with a small to relatively strong effect size in many dimensions of anxiety MHL components. This study suggests the progression to the full-scale trial and values the important role of mental health and psychiatric nurses in the adolescents’ empowerment for MHL in schools.

A survey on the prejudice and the stereotypes of mental illness in two communities with or without Psychiatric Residential Facilities

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco Veltro ◽  
Antonella Raimondo ◽  
Clementina Porzio ◽  
Teresa Nugnes ◽  
Vittorina Ciampone
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Civil Rights ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Residential Facilities ◽  
Drug Companies ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Stigma Of Mental Illness ◽  
Educational Campaigns

SUMMARYAims – Description of prejudice and stereotypes of mental illness in two samples with or without psychiatric Residential Facilities in their communities. It has been evaluated if the ongoing naturalistic relationship with the mentally ill was sufficient to modify the stigma of mental illness. Methods – The study has been carried out in 7 small towns with Residential Facilities and in 7 small towns without Residential Facilities on a sample of 560 people. Each respondent was asked to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness - General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 557 respondents (99.5%) were collected. The most frequent opinion in the general sample was to reject the possibility to admit patients to Psychiatric Hospital. The significance (p <.01) between the two samples was found for only 5 items that concern the “treatment-outcome”, while no difference was found about the stereotypes of mental illness. Conclusions – The results outline that the ongoing naturalistic relationship do not modify the stereotypes of mental illness, but only some aspects of prejudice (care and civil rights). As a consequence we need to plan structured, effective and more specific educational campaigns on mental illnesses.Declaration of Interest: in the last 2 years, none of the five authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and “honoraria” for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.

A group psychoeducational intervention for parents of individuals with schizophrenia

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1516-1516 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Tsiouri ◽  
A. Gena ◽  
O. Mouzas
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Family Burden ◽  
Family Rituals ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
General Family ◽  
Standard Clinical Practice ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

IntroductionFamilies of individuals with schizophrenia experience disempowerment and helplessness because of unique stressors in their everyday life, mainly derived from the positive and negative symptoms of the illness (Bauml, et al., 2006). Another line of research provides evidence that working with families of people with schizophrenia is effective in reducing family burden and distress levels, through structured psychoeducational interventions (Falloon, 2003; Bauml, et al., 2006).Objectives, aimsDespite evidence of their efficacy, psychoeducational interventions have not been widely implemented in standard clinical practice. The goal of this ongoing research project is to investigate the efficacy of a group psychoeducational intervention for parents of individuals with schizophrenia in reducing family burden and in improving their communication and problem solving skills, as well as their general family functioning.MethodsThe theoretical foundations of family psychoeducation is mainly derived from behavioral family therapy. Four couples (all parents of one or two individuals with schizophrenia) participated in this psychoeducational intervention program. Twenty three group sessions were conducted, organized around three primary goals: a) provision of information about the nature and the treatment of schizophrenia b) management of social and self-stigmatization and c) teaching family members problem-solving and communication skills (Solomon, 2000).Results and conclusionsPre and post treatment measures, as well as direct measures during treatment, were used to quantitatively assess family burden, family rituals, knowledge about the nature of the disorder, coping with stigma, communication and problem solving skills and general family functioning. Findings will be discussed.

The family and compliance in schizophrenia: the influence of clinical variables, relatives' knowledge and expressed emotion

2002 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. SELLWOOD ◽  
N. TARRIER ◽  
J. QUINN ◽  
C. BARROWCLOUGH
Keyword(s):  
Social Functioning ◽  
Expressed Emotion ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
The Family ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Relationship

Background. A variety of factors are related to compliance with medication in schizophrenia, but little attention has been paid to the role of families. Carers' knowledge or expressed emotion (EE) may be related to compliance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of these two factors, as well as their relationships with other variables for the prediction of compliance.Method. A sample of patient–carer pairs (N=79) involved in a family intervention for schizophrenia trial was recruited. Compliance, symptoms, social functioning and attitudes to their carers were assessed in patients. Carers' EE, knowledge and psychopathology were also evaluated.Results. A number of factors were related to compliance, including carers' EE and patients' psychotic symptoms, which contributed independently to not taking medication. Carers' knowledge about schizophrenia and other groups of symptoms was not related to compliance.Conclusions. EE may be an important factor to account for in the understanding of patients' compliance and the direction of the relationship between EE and compliance should be the subject of further study.

The Social Functioning Scale the Development and Validation of a New Scale of Social Adjustment for use in Family Intervention Programmes with Schizophrenic Patients

1990 ◽  
Vol 157 (6) ◽  
pp. 853-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Birchwood ◽  
Jo Smith ◽  
Ray Cochrane ◽  
Sheila Wetton ◽  
Sonja Copestake
Keyword(s):  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Family Interventions ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Functioning Scale ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Development And Validation

Social functioning as an outcome variable in family interventions with schizophrenic patients has been a relatively neglected area. The requirements of a scale of social functioning to measure the efficacy of family interventions include: the measurement of skill/behaviour relevant to the impairments and the demography of this group; the ability to yield considerable information with an economy of clinical time; and the establishment of ‘comparative’ need through comparison between subscales and with appropriate reference groups. Results from three samples show that the Social Functioning Scale is reliable, valid, sensitive and responsive to change.

scholarly journals First-Time Mothers Have a Desire to Be Offered Professional Breastfeeding Support by Pediatric Nurses: An Evaluation of the Mother-Perceived-Professional Support Scale

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Möller Ranch ◽  
Sofia Jämtén ◽  
Stina Thorstensson ◽  
Anette C. Ekström-Bergström
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Pediatric Nurses ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
First Time Mothers ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
First Time

Background. Although the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, the rate of breastfeeding has decreased worldwide. Breastfeeding is the natural way of feeding a baby, but it is a process that has to be learnt. It is not unusual for problems to occur and hence support for breastfeeding is vital. The aim of this study was to explore first-time mothers’ experiences of the breastfeeding support offered by pediatric nurses, as well as to develop and evaluate the Mother Perceived Support from Professionals (MoPPS) scale. Methods. A qualitative design involving both inductive and deductive approaches was chosen. Nine first-time mothers were interviewed regarding their experiences of the breastfeeding support offered by pediatric nurses. Semistructured interviews were conducted. The mothers were also asked to grade their experiences of breastfeeding support on the MoPPS scale. A qualitative content analysis was applied when analyzing the data obtained using both the inductive (interviews) and deductive (MoPPS scale) approaches. Results. The results revealed that the mothers felt the desire to breastfeed, although they all experienced some difficulties. They wanted the pediatric nurses to be perceptive and provide professional support based on their own experiences. When the pediatric nurses took time and booked extra appointments, the mothers felt supported. The inductive analysis resulted in one theme: “When wanting to breastfeed, mothers have a desire to be offered professional breastfeeding support”. Two main categories were identified, namely “Mothers wanted but lacked breastfeeding support” and “Mothers received professional support.” The deductive analysis of the MoPPS scale showed similar results, and the questions were perceived as relevant to the aim. The mothers considered it important that the pediatric nurses had sufficient knowledge about breastfeeding. It was also considered important that the pediatric nurses involved the mothers’ partners in the breastfeeding support. Therefore, we suggest that these areas should be included in the MoPPS scale for pediatric nurses. Conclusions. The MoPPS scale can be a useful tool for helping pediatric nurses to offer mothers professional breastfeeding support. Indeed, when offering breastfeeding support, pediatric nurses can use the items included on the MoPPS scale as guidance.

scholarly journals M230. VIRTUAL REALITY FOR IMPROVING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION (VR-SOAP): DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TREATMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PSYCHOSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S224-S224
Author(s):  
Dauw Muijsson ◽  
Elise van der Stouwe ◽  
Kirstin Greaves-Lord ◽  
Saskia Nijman ◽  
Marieke Pijnenborg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Social

Abstract Background Young people with a psychotic disorder have the same social goals as their healthy peers, but their social networks are smaller, they participate less often in leisure activities and are less successful in work and education. Current treatments have only moderate effects on social functioning. Virtual Reality (VR) has a great potential to improve the social functioning of young people with psychosis. With VR, individuals can practice with simulations of difficult social situations in a safe and personalized way. Therefore, we aimed to develop and investigate feasibility of a novel VR treatment (VR-SOAP) for improving social contacts, leisure activities and social participation of young people with a psychotic disorder. Methods As a first step, a literature search of causes of impaired social functioning was conducted. Underlying relationships and mechanisms of the causes were identified. The causes of impaired social functioning were translated into concepts for the VR modules. The concepts were translated into requirements for the VR modules. Subsequently, the software and the treatment manual were developed in an iterative process with a team of experiential experts, psychosis therapists, researchers, VR experts and software engineers. The final prototype will be tested in a small pilot study with three therapists and six patients. In order to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the treatment and to evaluate and improve the treatment protocol using input from therapists and patients. Results Several determinants of impaired social functioning were identified: negative symptoms, impaired social cognition, paranoid ideations, social anxiety, low self-esteem, self-stigma and poor communication skills. These causes are multifaceted, but at the same time interrelated and overlapping. VR-SOAP was designed as five modules that address these causes, four optional modules (1–4) and one fixed module (5). The treatment is personalized and takes the specific individual contributing causes into account. Patient and therapist select two out of four optional modules. In module 1 (Negative symptoms) patients will focus on increasing their motivation and pleasure in dealing with amotivation and anhedonia. In module 2 (Social cognition) patients will practice with recognizing facial emotions and interpreting social situations. Module 3 (Paranoid ideations) consists of exposure exercises and behavioural experiments testing harm expectancies. In module 4 (Self-esteem and self-stigma) patients will focus on positive aspects of the self and challenge self-criticism. All patients will end with module 5 (Communication and Interaction skills), in which experiences, knowledge and skills from other modules are integrated and applied in role-plays. Currently, the pilot feasibility study is ongoing. Preliminary results will be presented. Discussion VR-SOAP is a promising new intervention for enhancing the social functioning of young adults with psychosis. VR is very useful for practising new social behaviour. It enables patients to practice with real-world social situations in a safe and gradual way. In the coming years, a single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted to test the effect of VR-SOAP on social contacts, leisure activities and social participation.

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