Author:
Yesufu-Udechuku Amina,Harrison Bronwyn,Mayo-Wilson Evan,Young Norman,Woodhams Peter,Shiers David,Kuipers Elizabeth,Kendall Tim
Abstract
BackgroundInformal caregiving is an integral part of the care of people with severe
mental illness, but the support needs of those providing such care are
not often met.AimsTo determine whether interventions provided to people caring for those
with severe mental illness improve the experience of caring and reduce
caregiver burden.MethodWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised
controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions delivered by health and social
care services to informal carers (i.e. family or friends who provide
support to someone with severe mental illness).ResultsTwenty-one RCTs with 1589 carers were included in the review. There was
evidence suggesting that the carers' experience of care was improved at
the end of the intervention by psychoeducation (standardised mean
difference −1.03, 95% CI −1.69 to −0.36) and support groups (SMD =–1.16,
95% CI −1.96 to −0.36). Psychoeducation had a benefit on psychological
distress more than 6 months later (SMD =–1.79, 95% CI −3.01 to −0.56) but
not immediately post-intervention. Support interventions had a beneficial
effect on psychological distress at the end of the intervention (SMD
=–0.99, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.49) as did problem-solving bibliotherapy (SMD
=–1.57, 95% CI −1.79 to −1.35); these effects were maintained at
follow-up. The quality of the evidence was mainly low and very low.
Evidence for combining these interventions and for self-help and
self-management was inconclusive.ConclusionsCarer-focused interventions appear to improve the experience of caring
and quality of life and reduce psychological distress of those caring for
people with severe mental illness, and these benefits may be gained in
first-episode psychosis. Interventions for carers should be considered as
part of integrated services for people with severe mental health
problems.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
209 articles.
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