Efficacy of brief family psychoeducation among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: cohort study

Abstract

Background: Family psychoeducation supports schizophrenia patients and their families with education, skills, and communication training, aiming to prevent relapse and improve outcomes. Aim: To understand long-term effect of brief family psychoeducation on personal experiences, family burden, Depression, Anxiety and Stress among the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The study, comprising 128 participants split into intervention and treatment-as-usual groups, intervention was a six-session brief psychoeducation for caregivers during the patients’ hospitalization, assessments were made on pre-post and follow-up assessment outcomes. Results: Research demonstrates that psychoeducation extends benefits over time, with sustained reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and family burden for caregivers of schizophrenia patients compared to standard treatment. Conclusion:  Family psychoeducation offers long-lasting benefits for patients and caregivers.

Keywords: Psychoeducation, schizophrenia, caregiver, longterm