The Effect of a multifactorial intervention on psychotic relapse in persons with first episode schizphrenia

Abstract

This true experimental research with the posttest-only control group design was to test the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention program on preventing psychotic relapse in persons with first episode schizophrenia between control and experimental group. A multifactorial intervention was combined a multifamily psychoeducational group, compliance therapy and early warning signs intervention which composed of early recognition of early warning signs and early intervention when those signs are detected. The psychotic relapse rates were measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). The proportion and independent t-test was conducted to compare the difference of mean scores between control group and experimental group.A total of 40 persons with first episode schizophrenia who were first admitted at Somdet chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry were randomized by using simple random sampling to receive either usual care (N=20) or a multfactorial intervention (N=20). The experimental group received routine care and 6 weeks, 10 sessions of multifactorial intervention, while the control group received only routine care. The findings revealed that the mean score of positive symptoms in the experimental group in 1 month after discharge from hospital was significant lower than that of the control group, at the level .05. In addition, the psychotic relapse rate of the control group was 25% (4 cases) as compared to 0% in the experimental group. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention on preventing of psychotic relapse in persons with first episode schizophrenia. It can integrate into the existing clinical and community mental health service in order to prevent psychotic relapse, promote completely and reduces the economic burden on readmission.