The relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis and family distress among families with a member suffering from first-episode psychosis

Author

Tarbiat modares University

Abstract

Introduction: Review of related literature indicates that few studies have addressed the impacts of the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on family, and on the family system in particular. The present research investigates the relationship between DUP and family distress among families with a member suffering from first-episode psychosis (FEP).Method: This was a non-experimental correlational study. Using purposeful sampling, a sample of 107 families from three medical centers was recruited. Family distress was measured using the Family Distress Index (FDI), and was completed by the primary caregiver in each family. Also, DUP was measured by administering a semi-structured interview to primary caregivers with select items from the Course of Onset and Relapse Schedule/Topography of Psychotic Episode (CORS/ TOPE). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis.Results: Results indicated that there is a significant relationship between DUP and family distress, and that DUP is also a predictor of family distress.Conclusion: In sum, these findings suggest that when there is an increase in the delay of seeking family treatment, DUP is prolonged, with an increase in family distress. Thus, prolonged DUP may be an indicator of an increased need for family to seek professional help in order to achieve balance of the family system. Keywords: First Episode Psychosis (FEP), Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP), Family, Family Distress

Keywords