title: The effectiveness of peer support groups in  psychosis: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of a (minimally) guided peer support group (GPSG) for people with psychosis on social network, social support, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and quality of life, and to evaluate the intervention and its economic consequences.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a multi-center randomized controlled trial with 56 patients in the peer support group and 50 patients in the control condition, patients were assessed at baseline and after the last meeting at 8 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental group showed GPSG to have a positive effect on social network and social support compared with the control condition. In the experimental condition, high attenders favored over low attenders on increased social support, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Economic evaluation demonstrated groups to be without financial consequences. The GPSG-intervention was positively evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peer support groups are a useful intervention for people suffering from psychosis by improving their social network.
authors.affiliation: Rob Giel Research Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. s.castelein@psy.umcg.nl
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Castelein
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bruggeman
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: van Busschbach
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van der Gaag
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Stant
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Knegtering
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wiersma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000191:economics; D012944:Social Support