Sellwood, William and Barrowclough, Christine and Tarrier, Nicholas and Quinn, Joanne and Mainwaring, John and Lewis, Shon (2001) Needs-based cognitive-behavioural family intervention for carers of patients suffering from schizophrenia : twelve month follow-up. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 104 (5). pp. 346-355. ISSN 1600-0447
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Objective: To examine longer-term effectiveness of a needs-based family intervention for carers and out-patients suffering from schizophrenia. Method: Seventy-nine unselected patient–carer pairs were recruited from a geographical area and allocated randomly to one of two conditions. One group received needs-based cognitive-behavioural family intervention in combination with general family support plus the standard care. The control group received the general family support and standard care only. Results: Analysis was carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. There was a significant advantage for family intervention, in terms of relapse (37% relapsed compared to 72%, NNT=3) and on other clinical measures. Treatment group and medication compliance were significant and independent predictors of relapse. There was a significant reduction in carer needs in the intervention group. Conclusion: Family intervention directed at carers' needs within a standard mental health service can produce benefits for patients beyond the term of intervention.