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

Welsh, P; Tiffin, PA

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
• Electronic ISSN: 1751-7893
• 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.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1466174