"I don't think I took her fears seriously." Exploring the experiences of family members of individuals at-risk of developing psychosis over 12-months.

This study is the first of its kind to use a novel longitudinal qualitative methodology to directly compare family/carers earlier experiences supporting ARMS individuals to 12-months later. This provides a more ecologically valid insight into how perceptions change over time and how family/carers adapt. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten family/carers at two points within a 12-month period. This study was embedded within a randomised control trial, the Individual and Family Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (IFCBT) trial. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, with a focus on how experiences and reactions for family/carers changed over time. Over 12-months, four factors were important for family/carers to facilitate their caring role. These were summarised in the thematic map (LACE model): Looking after your own wellbeing; Accessing additional support from family intervention; Communicating openly with the individual; Engaging with services for the individual. All four aspects of the model were important in improving family communication, meeting family/carers' unmet needs and helping them to feel more confident and less isolated in their carer role. Novel implications suggest that when feasible, services should involve family/carers of ARMS individuals in sessions and explore family/carer support strategies in managing their own distress. The most significant insight was the need to develop family/carer resources to educate, normalise and va...
Source: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Clin Psychol Psychother Source Type: research