The outcome of a psychoeducational treatment programme for very early-onset schizophrenics was compared with a standard reference treatment. The study sample consisted of 12 patients in each group. Clinical outcome was assessed by relapses during the 2-year treatment period and changes in psychosocial functioning as measured by the Global Assessment Scale. A cost-effectiveness analysis was also carried out. The results indicated that the most effective programme measured by relapse was also the cheapest: the psychoeducational programme. Patients with poor premorbid psychosocial functioning benefit most from this treatment. Decisive with respect to how effective the programme can be is the cooperativeness of patients' parents and their ability to change their emotional attitudes toward the patient.
Multi family groups appear to increase the chance of retaining patients in a follow-up study, but adjustment of the programme may be necessary with first episode psychosis patients to meet their needs better.
Psychoeducational multifamily group treatment based on the McFarlane model was implemented for adult patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis and for the families of 301 patients. Patients were participants in a research project in Norway and Denmark. Of 301 patients 246 were invited to participate and 147 agreed. Patients' reluctance to participate increased with age. Most had to wait between six and 12 months until a sufficient number was gathered to start a group. Treatment was well received by patients and families. Care should be taken to prevent a long delay before group commencement at this stressful period in the lives of patients and families.
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