Sustained outcomes of a peer‐taught family education program on mental illness

Abstract

Objective This study examines 6-month follow-up data from participants in a randomized trial of a peer-driven 12-session family support and education program, called family-to-family (FTF) and offered by the US National Alliance on Mental Illness, to determine whether improvements in distress, family functioning, coping and empowerment were sustained. Method Individuals randomized to the FTF condition were assessed after program completion and then 3 months later on measures of distress, family functioning, coping, and empowerment. We used a multilevel regression model (SAS PROC MIXED) to test for significant changes over time (baseline, 3 and 9 months). Results All significant benefits that FTF participants gained between baseline and immediately post-FTF were sustained at 9 months including reduced anxiety, improved family problem-solving, increased positive coping, and increased knowledge. Greater class attendance was associated with larger increases in empowerment and reductions in depression and displeasure with ill relative. Conclusion Evidence suggests that benefits of the FTF program were sustained for at least 6 months without any additional boosters or supports. Peer-based programs may produce sustained benefits for individuals seeking help in addressing challenges and stresses related to having a family member with a mental illness.

Race‐Related Differences in the Experiences of Family Members of Persons with Mental Illness Participating in the NAMI Family to Family Education Program

“…In addition to benefits for persons diagnosed with a mental illness, family-based services have also been shown to improve family relationships and decrease burden for family caregivers (Dixon et al 2010). Recent empirical validation supports the efficacy of FTF in enhancing coping, problem-solving and empowerment, and reducing anxiety and depression (Dixon et al 2004(Dixon et al , 2011Lucksted et al 2008Lucksted et al , 2013Marcus et al 2013). In FTF, family members learn skills in self-care and communication, as well as problem-solving and advocacy strategies.…”

Brief Interventions for Psychosis

“…In LAMI countries, the workforce issues are magnifi ed manifold, and there are ways in which the impact of available psychiatrists can be increased. These results were sustained at follow-up of three months (Lucksted et al 2013 ). Another solution is to utilize informal providers who are part of the communities in identifying cases in the community and directing them to the appropriate agencies to obtain help.…”

“…Such programs can be successfully delivered by peers (Lucksted et al 2013 ) or professionals (Lucksted et al 2012 ). This is possible even when someone has more long-standing mental health problems and family members are estranged or geographically distant.…”

Psychoedukation für Patienten und Angehörige: Eine psychotherapeutische Basisbehandlung bei schizophrenen Psychosen

“…Von Psychoedukationsforschern und der Selbsthilfebewegung getragen, wurden psychoedukativ ausgerichtete Peer-to-Peer-Programme entwickelt, die wissenschaftlich überprüft wurden [Dixon et al, 2011;Lucksted et al, 2013] …”