Evaluating Response to a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis-Informed Family Intervention at Variable Duration of a Psychotic Illness

Abstract

Objective: Early intervention in psychosis is associated with favourable outcomes. We investigated whether loved ones' illness duration moderated caregiver outcomes following a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-informed Family Intervention for psychosis (FIp). Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of measures of FIp participants' depression and anxiety symptoms, caregiver appraisals, expressed emotion and foundational psychotherapeutic competencies at pre-, post- and 4-month follow-up. Our primary aim was to evaluate whether duration of illness moderated participant outcomes. Results: Relative to pre-intervention, all caregivers reported lower depression, anxiety and expressed emotion, as well as higher positive attitudes and mastery of cognitive behavioural skills, at post-intervention and 4-month follow-up. Outcomes were not moderated by their loved one's illness duration. Conclusion: Families may benefit equally from FIp regardless of illness duration. Although we recommend that FIp are offered as early as possible, modifications for families with lengthier illness courses are not implicated by our findings.