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1365 – Family Functioning, Expressed Emotion And Family Burden In Relatives Of First- Episode And Chronic Patients With Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder: Preliminary Findings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

K. Koutra
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
M. Basta
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
T. Roumeliotaki
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
Z. Stefanakis
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
S. Triliva
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
C. Lionis
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
A.N. Vgontzas
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Abstract

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Introduction

The influential role of family in the outcome of chronic mental illness is well documented; however there has been relatively little research on the intrafamilial relationships of people experiencing their first episode of psychosis (FEP).

Objectives

To investigate possible differences in family environment between FEP and chronic patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Aims

To compare family measures between relatives of FEP and chronic psychotic patients.

Methods

Family functioning (FACES-IV), expressed emotion (FQ), family burden (FBS) and psychological well being (GHQ- 28) were assessed in relatives of 30 FEP and 30 chronic patients.

Results

Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounders revealed that relatives of chronic patients scored significantly lower in balanced cohesion (β coefficient -4.27, 95% CI: -08.03, -1.71) and balanced flexibility (β coefficient -4.01, 95% CI: -6.91, -1.10), as well as communication (β coefficient -6.61, 95% CI: -11.70, -1.50) and satisfaction scales (β coefficient -7.32, 95% CI: -13.23, -1.41). Relatives caring for a chronic patient had significantly higher scores in critical comments (β coefficient 7.81, 95% CI: 3.95, 11.68) and emotional overinvolvement (β coefficient 3.70, 95% CI: 0.24, 7.16). They, also, reported higher objective (β coefficient 12.23, 95% CI: 3.76, 20.71) and subjective (β coefficient 2.79, 95% CI: 0.45, 5.14) burden, as well as poorer psychological well being (β coefficient 12.23, 95% CI: 3.76, 20.71).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that chronicity adversely affects patients’ family. Early intervention strategies are needed to reduce family burden which in turn may adversely affect the course of the patient’s illness.

Type
Abstract
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2013
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