“My World Is Gone”: Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Caregivers of First Episode Psychosis Patients

IF 1.3 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Pub Date : 2026-04-03 DOI:10.1002/capr.70114

Oscar Modesto, Lachlan Beaton, Morgan Nicholson, Caroline Brown, Brooke Short

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Abstract

Background

Caregivers of those who have suffered a first episode psychosis (FEP) carry a significant burden, and report high levels of psychological distress, burnout and other emotional and financial difficulties because of the role they play. However, the role caregivers play is crucial to the recovery prospects of someone who has experienced an FEP, and thus, their needs and how they can be supported is of particular importance.

Methods

This paper sought to understand the caregiver experience, and the needs that they expressed having had that experience. In addition, we explored how these needs might be met, by way of supports and potential structures for delivery of them. To address the aim of this study, a qualitative study of 15 caregivers was conducted.

Findings

Two key overarching themes emerged within the data. Firstly, caregivers felt that they did not prepare for the caring role and that it had been life changing. Secondly, they reported that they would like more support by way of feeling like they matter, by being upskilled and by being provisioned their own, ongoing support. The study highlights key policy and practice implications for FEP services.

Conclusion

Our results emphasise caregiver recognition and inclusion in the medical team. Ongoing structured psychoeducation, early and ongoing communication with the clinical team, and access to emotional and practical supports for carers, as well as flexible delivery models of these support services, are essential to improve caregiver well-being and optimise recovery outcomes.

Abstract Image

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“我的世界消失了”：理解和解决首发精神病患者护理人员的需求

背景：首发精神病（FEP）患者的护理人员背负着沉重的负担，由于他们所扮演的角色，他们报告了高度的心理困扰、倦怠和其他情感和经济困难。然而，照顾者扮演的角色对经历过FEP的人的康复前景至关重要，因此，他们的需求以及如何支持他们是特别重要的。方法本研究旨在了解照顾者的经历，以及他们表达的有这种经历的需求。此外，我们探讨了如何通过支持和潜在的结构来满足这些需求。为了解决本研究的目的，对15名护理人员进行了定性研究。数据中出现了两个主要的主题。首先，照顾者觉得他们没有为照顾的角色做好准备，而且这已经改变了他们的生活。其次，他们报告说，他们希望得到更多的支持，通过感觉自己很重要，通过提高技能，通过为自己提供持续的支持。该研究强调了FEP服务的关键政策和实践含义。结论我们的研究结果强调护理人员在医疗团队中的认可和包容。持续的结构化心理教育，与临床团队的早期和持续沟通，为护理人员提供情感和实际支持，以及这些支持服务的灵活交付模式，对于改善护理人员的福祉和优化康复结果至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice. The journal has its own website: www.cprjournal.com. The aim of this site is to further develop links between counselling and psychotherapy research and practice by offering accessible information about both the specific contents of each issue of CPR, as well as wider developments in counselling and psychotherapy research. The aims are to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.