Needs-based cognitive-behavioural family intervention for carers of patients suffering from schizophrenia: 12-month follow-up

To examine longer-term effectiveness of a needs-based family intervention for carers and out-patients suffering from schizophrenia. Seventy-nine unselected patient-carer pairs were recruited from a geographical area and allocated randomly to one of two conditions. One group received needs-based cognitive-behavioural family intervention in combination with general family support plus the standard care. The control group received the general family support and standard care only. Analysis was carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. There was a significant advantage for family intervention, in terms of relapse (37% relapsed compared to 72%, NNT=3) and on other clinical measures. Treatment group and medication compliance were significant and independent predictors of relapse. There was a significant reduction in carer needs in the intervention group. Family intervention directed at carers' needs within a standard mental health service can produce benefits for patients beyond the term of intervention.