Comparison of preventive interventions for families with parental affective disorder

Twenty families participated in a random assignment trial of two cognitive psychoeducational preventive interventions for families with parental affective disorder. Twelve families were assigned to a clinician-based intervention and eight to a lecture-based intervention, with assessment prior to intervention and an average of 18 weeks following intervention. Both groups were satisfied and believed they received help from the intervention. The clinician-based group was significantly more satisfied overall, and reported significantly more changes in both behaviors and attitudes about their illness from pre- to postintervention. Both groups showed significant decrease in degree of upset over issues of concern from pre- to postintervention. The clinician-based group reported receiving significantly more help with their primary concern. The implications of these findings are discussed.