Stress response symptoms in relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to identify specific stress response symptoms in relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients, and to compare these responses with those of relatives of chronic inpatients.


METHODS
Twenty-five relatives of acutely hospitalized, psychotic patients and 21 relatives of chronic inpatients were assessed within days of the acute patient's admission and 6 weeks later. The Impact Event Scale assessed intrusion and avoidance; items from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) assessed arousal.


RESULTS
At the first assessment, relatives of the acutely admitted psychotic patients reported higher intensity of intrusive symptoms, and more often a high arousal level compared to the relatives of chronic inpatients. Six weeks later, relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients revealed both higher intensity and higher number of intrusive and avoidance symptoms, and higher level of arousal symptoms. Seven relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients and no relatives of the chronic inpatients reported moderate to high level of intrusion, avoidance and arousal at both assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
Relatives of acutely admitted psychotic patients revealed strong acute and persistent stress responses, similar to those described in subjects exposed to severe or life threatening illness. Even relatives of the chronic inpatients revealed stress-specific symptoms, but at a lower level. Specific stress response symptoms may impair the relatives' well-being, care-giving abilities, and their co-operation with the mental health system. Our results suggest that stress response symptoms in relatives should be given more attention.
Boye
Birgitte
B
Blakstad Mental Hospital, Post Box 143, NO-1317 Asker, Norway. birgitte.boye@blakstad-sykehus.no
Malt
Ulrik Fredrik
UF
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors