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Adolescent family perceptions in the At-Risk Mental State for psychosis

Welsh, P; Tiffin, PA

Authors

P Welsh

PA Tiffin



Abstract

Aim: There is a long-standing interest in the relationship between patients affected by psychosis and their families. Previous research also suggests that perceived family dysfunction is a factor commonly associated with psychological problems in adolescence. The current study examined the role of self-reported family perceptions in the context of adolescents with an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis. Methods: Family perceptions were obtained using the Family Perceptions Scale (FPS) and compared across three groups; an ARMS for psychosis group (n = 44), a first-episode affective/non-affective psychosis group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 140) drawn from a community population. Results: Scores on the FPS Expressed Emotion subscale were significantly higher in the psychosis and ARMS groups, compared to controls (P = 0.039 and P = 0.041, respectively). In contrast, participants in the ARMS group reported poorer perceived problem solving and lower levels of nurturing behaviour in their families compared to controls (P = 0.032 and P = 0.027). Overall, family perceptions were not related to symptom severity in both the ARMS and psychosis groups (except for manic symptomatology and Expressed Emotion). Conclusions: These findings highlight that ARMS patients are likely to report higher levels of perceived family dysfunction compared to a community sample of young people. However, the mechanisms by which family perceptions may contribute to the development of distressing psychotic symptoms remain unclear and require further study. Family work, with a focus upon improving perceived expressed emotion, nurturing behaviours and hostility may at this stage represent a feasible adjunct therapy for those with ARMS.

Citation

Welsh, P., & Tiffin, P. (2015). Adolescent family perceptions in the At-Risk Mental State for psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 9(4), 316-323. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12115

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 25, 2013
Online Publication Date Nov 29, 2013
Publication Date 2015-08
Deposit Date Dec 4, 2013
Journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry
Print ISSN 1751-7885
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 4
Pages 316-323
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12115
Keywords Family environment, Psychosis, Risk, Youth.