A Problem-solving Based Bibliotherapy Program for Family Caregivers in Schizophrenia (PSBPF)
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Family Caregivers
About this trial
This is an interventional health services research trial for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders focused on measuring Bibliotherapy, Problem-solving, Randomized Controlled Trial, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Family Caregivers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Hong Kong Chinese residents, aged 18-64;
- Taking care of a family member primarily diagnosed as schizophrenia spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia, schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders, as stated in the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV Text-Revised edition) in the past 3 years;
- Able to read and understand Cantonese/Mandarin; and
- Perceived a moderate to high burden of care (measured by Family Burden Interview Schedule (>20 out of 50 scores for case selection).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Caregivers have received or are receiving another family intervention; or
- Presented with a recent personal history of a serious mental illness/medical disease and/or learning difficulties.
Sites / Locations
- KH OPD
- Li Ka Shing Specialty OPD
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Active Comparator
No Intervention
Problem-solving Based Bibliotherapy
Behavioral Management and Education Program
Routine Outpatient Service
The Problem-solving Based Bibliotherapy Program (PSBPF) using a self-help manual based on problem-solving therapy defined by D'Zurilla and Nezu (2007) to be 'a self-directed cognitive-behavioral process by which a person attempts to identify/discover effective/adaptive solutions for specific problems encountered in everyday living' (p.11).
The Behavioral Management and Education group program will be guided by a validated treatment protocol based on the research team's (Chien and Wong, 2007) psycho-education and McFarlane et al.'s (2003) family behavioral management programs for schizophrenia.
Participants in the control group (and 2 treatment groups) will receive routine psychiatric outpatient and family services.