M106. Training Caregivers in CBT for Psychosis: Opportunities, Challenges and Implications for Dissemination

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of a short-term pilot intervention designed to teach family members of individuals with a diagnosed psychotic disorder, key Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psy-chosis (CBTp) skills and techniques. Method(s): The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The study intervention was delivered by trained clinicians over the course of a 2.5-day CBTp workshop. In line with the CBT model, family members learned how to recognize stressors and the impact these have on their thoughts, emotions and behaviors with a focus on developing coping strategies to support their own mental health. Additionally, this workshop emphasized the importance of developing a collaborative relationship with their loved ones through CBTp techniques such as curious questioning, acknowledging and addressing their own assumptions about their loved ones' experiences, problem solving, wellness planning and the application of coping skills to beneft their loved ones and themselves. Qualitative data on caregiver experience learning and implementing the CBTp skills, perceived level of support, mental well being and workshop feedback were collected and coded using directed content analysis, over the course of the workshop and at 6-week follow-up. Result(s): A total of 26 family members who also identifed as primary caregivers completed the intervention. Sixty-fve percent were supporting someone within the family home while the other 35% were in contact with their loved one more than 15 hours per week. Analyses showed that participants favored the intervention and had a generally positive experience. Among the reported benefts were improvements in communicating and collaborating with their loved ones, developing a sense of community and gaining an additional level of support in other caregivers. Improvements in mental well being, including reduced depression and anxiety, were also reported. Many expressed a new understanding of their loved ones' experiences with psychosis and subsequently reported an increase in hope and a shift to a more positive appraisal of psychotic experiences and opportunities for recovery. In terms of intervention feasibility, analyses supported an increase in caregiver perceived knowledge of CBTp skills and a general increase in caregiver confdence using the skills. Caregivers reported implementing the skills in the home and many participants expressed a desire for access to similar resources in their community. Conclusion(s): This analysis highlighted opportunities and barriers for dissemination of CBTp for families and potential future directions for similar initiatives. This study demonstrates the feasibility of training caregivers in key CBTp skills to support their own mental health and to support their loved ones' recovery. A need for further targeted training to caregivers was supported in this approach, in order to ensure families have access to much needed resources.