Needs of Siblings of Persons with Psychosis: A Systematic Descriptive Review

Abstract

Research on caregivers of psychosis has predominantly focused on parents and spouses. Issues related to siblings of persons with psychosis (SOPP) are yet to be evaluated comprehensively. Like parents and spouses, SOPP also share the caregiver burden and have their own issues and needs. This systematic descriptive review aims to identify the types of needs of SOPP in the published literature and gives implications for further practice and research. The primary data search was carried out with predefined protocol in PubMed database and an additional hand search was done in EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Scopus, and PsychINFO. All the searches yielded a total of 862 titles. After screening for necessary inclusion criteria, seven studies were included in the final review. The results are discussed under six major themes that emerged from this review. Six out of seven studies highlighted the need for information on siblings' illness and participation in caregiver support group. Other important needs were illness management or rehabilitation needs; help in managing their own psychosocial issues; treatment related informational needs; and inclusion in treatment process. The socio-demographic details of these studies showed that majority of the participants were female siblings of Caucasian or white British ethnicity and from developed countries. SOPP predominantly have specific needs such as informational and support group needs, which are different in the priority of other primary caregiver needs. Paucity of literature from developing countries and the limitations of the existing studies warrant further systematic research.

The psychosocial stressors of siblings of people with experiences of psychosis (SOPEP): A systematic narrative review across cultures

“…An electronic advanced search was carried out on six databases PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHAL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science using search below. To reduce duplication from Amaresha et al (2014) review and explore novel research, these searches were limited from October 2013 to February 2023, human and English language. The references in each included paper were reviewed through forwards and backwards searching, for extra relevant publications not identified in the initial electronic search.…”

“…Some SOPEP may have more knowledge of their sibling's difficulties than their parents (Dyregrov & Dyregrov, 2005) and take on caregiving support (BPS, 2021). In some cultures, SOPEP may be obligated to provide care for an ‘ ill ’ sibling and socialised to the caretaking role, as well as act as sources of support to their parents (Amaresha et al, 2014; Bowman et al, 2017). Quantitative research and the literature exploring the experiences of SOPEP and their relationship are limited (Bowman et al, 2014; Plessis et al, 2020).…”

“…To understand the psychosocial needs of SOPEP and guide further practice and research, Amaresha et al (2014) conducted a systematic descriptive review. Their review included seven studies (four qualitative; two quantitative and one mixed method study) and found that SOPEP have specific needs.…”

Psychological factors of sibling caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders: an observational study

“…Family caregivers of individuals with severe mental disorders are extremely important for effective treatment since caregivers help to maintain medical and psychosocial continuity between various providers. Historically, caregivers were primarily parental figures, especially mothers (Caqueo-Urízar, Gutiérrez-Maldonado, & Miranda- Castillo, 2009 ), while the current trend is that other family members and often siblings are more likely to take on this role (Amaresha, Venkatasubramanian, & Muralidahr, 2014 ; Greenberg, Seltzer, & Orsmond, 1999 ; Horwitz, Reinhard, & Howell-White, 1996 ).…”

“…In fact, the stressful experience of being the caregiver of a sibling with a severe mental disorder influences the psychological well-being of the caregiver himself. Caregivers of siblings with severe mental disorders often report a fear of developing a mental illness, as well as passing it on to their children (Amaresha et al, 2014 ; Appels, 2004 ; Nechmad et al, 2000 ; Sin, et al, 2016 ; Stalberg et al, 2004 ). Those fears are justified as sibling caregivers are at increased risk of developing a mental illness and/or have already developed psychological problems (Kendler, 1996 ).…”