[Psychoeducation and multifamily groups for patients with first-episode psychosis].
BACKGROUND
In spite of existing good evidence of the efficacy of extended intervention in families with a member diagnosed as schizophrenic, this intervention is not in general use in Denmark. This paper describes experiences of psychoeducation and multifamily group from the TIPS project (Early Intervention in Psychosis).


METHODS
55 patients were enrolled in the Danish part of the project. The 2-year manualized treatment program consisted of pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and family intervention. The family intervention included joining sessions, information days and multifamily group.


RESULTS
Of the 55 enrolled 31 patients and their families had joining sessions; 20 completed the full treatment program. They were younger patients, more often living with their families, and differed diagnostically to some extent from the other patients. Lack of acceptance from the patients or families and too far to the treatment site were the main reasons for not participating.


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicates the necessity to offer a more phase-specific family intervention to include more patients and their families. Due to the low incidence of first-episode psychosis it is necessary that treatment centres coordinate their treatment in order to facilitate the establishment of homogenous groups and to develop coordinated education and supervision.
Lyse
Hanne-Grethe
HG
Psykiatrien Roskilde Fjorden, Psykiatrisk Forskningsenhed, Roskilde.
Haahr
Ulrik Helt
UH
Fjell
Anne
A
Dichmann
Bente
B
Flensborg
Estrid
E
Simonsen
Erik
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support