The efficacy of a cognitively orientated carers group in an early intervention in psychosis service--a pilot study

A significant amount of evidence has demonstrated that families and carers play an important role in an individual's recovery from a first episode of psychosis (FEP) and can significantly reduce relapse rates. This, in addition to the fact that caring for an individual experiencing their FEP can be incredibly stressful, suggests that the development of appropriate support for carers must be an integral part of any Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIPS). This study examines the efficacy of a closed structured group designed for carers of individuals experiencing their FEP based in Southampton city. A 12-session cognitively orientated group programme covering a range of areas was attended by 18 carers over a 6-month period. Following the group, a significant decrease was found in the carer's negative appraisals of the impact of psychosis, feelings of burden, depression and anxiety rates as measured by the Experience of Caregiving Inventory (ECI), Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A significant positive correlation was also found between carer's negative appraisals and their anxiety and depression rates, although further research is needed to clarify the causality of this relationship.