Family-focused therapy via videoconferencing.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Family-focused therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based treatment for severe mental illness.
• Schizoaffective disorder often requires ongoing family support and treatment adherence.
• Telemedicine offers a potential solution for delivering mental health services to underserved populations.

Observation:

• A veteran diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and experiencing chronic auditory hallucinations underwent family-focused therapy (FFT).
• The FFT was adapted for delivery via videoconferencing (384 kbit/s bandwidth).
• The veteran had prior experience with telemental health services.

Findings:

• The veteran and his family successfully completed the tele-FFT program.
• Significant improvements were observed in medication adherence, quality of life, hope, and interpersonal functioning.
• Psychiatric symptoms, both positive and negative, were very mild post-treatment.
• High levels of satisfaction with the tele-FFT intervention were reported by the veteran and family.

Implications:

• Videoconferencing-delivered FFT can be an effective treatment for individuals with schizoaffective disorder.
• Tele-FFT may enhance communication and problem-solving within families.
• This approach holds promise for improving access to mental healthcare for individuals in rural or remote areas.
• Previous telemental health exposure may positively influence patient engagement and treatment outcomes.