Effects of a psychoeducation program for relatives of patients with first-episode psychosis who have received psychoeducation: An observational study

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between psychoeducation for relatives (PER) following a first-episode psychosis (FEP), as well as the impact of this PER on the mental health of these relatives.

We conducted an observational study of patients who experienced a FEP and underwent psychoeducation (PE) about it (FEP - PE). We divided the sample into two groups according to the achievement of PER. The assessment of post-FEP outcome was based on subsequent diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or major depressive episode, as well as subsequent hospitalization in a mental health unit. Mental health of relatives was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y1 and 2), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS).

We enrolled 51 patients, 28 of whom had at least one relative who had benefited from PER. We found no significant association between PER and outcome after FEP. We found a positive and significant effect of PER on relatives' anxiety. The effect on depressive symptoms and well-being was positive but not significant.

This study found promising results regarding the psychological impact of PE for relatives of patients with an FEP but no significant impact on the evolution of the FEP. This work suggests the extension of PE to improve the mental health of relatives and further studies regarding the effect on the evolution of FEP.