Psychoeducation and group acceptance and commitment therapy as psychological support strategies for informal caregivers of patients with a first psychotic episode: an experimental study

ABSTRACT Background This article reports the results of a study designed to describe and analyze the effect of a psychological intervention with psychoeducational components and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques in a sample of informal primary caregivers of patients with a first psychotic episode. Method The experimental study involved 37 subjects, 18 of whom received the intervention and 19 of whom were on the waiting list. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed of the variables: perceived overload, burnout syndrome and stress coping. Treatment consisted of eight weekly group sessions. Results Prior to treatment, the scores of the variables studied in the control and experimental groups were equivalent. After the intervention, compared to the control group and after the possible influence of time on the results had been analyzed, it was found that those who had received treatment reported a significant decrease in “perceived overload” and “burnout syndrome”, as well as an increase in the use of “active coping” strategies. The changes were found to have small and medium effect sizes. Discussion Clinicians working in early care services for psychosis may consider this multi-component intervention an effective support strategy for enhancing the psychological well-being of caregivers.