Impact of multiple-family groups for outpatients with schizophrenia on caregivers' distress and resources

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple-family group treatment on distress and psychosocial resources among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia.

Methods: A total of 97 consumers with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and their caregivers were randomly assigned to receive multiple-family group treatment (N=53) or standard psychiatric outpatient care (N=44). Reliable and valid measures were used to assess caregivers' distress, caregivers' resources, and consumers' clinical status.

Results: After consumers' clinical status and baseline rates of caregivers' distress and caregivers' resources were controlled for, the caregivers of consumers who received multiple-family group treatment experienced greater reductions in distress but no increases in resources compared with caregivers of consumers who received standard psychiatric care.

Conclusions: Multiple-family group treatment reduced caregivers' distress but did not increase caregivers' resources relative to standard psychiatric care.