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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between adherence to antipsychotic medication and working alliance (WA) ratings as reported separately by case manager (CM) and patient in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and to identify whether other factors previously related to adherence influence this relationship.
Adherence was evaluated every month in 81 participants who met criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, psychotic disorder (affective or nonaffective) and were treated in a specialized early intervention program. Adherence was measured, taking into account information from patient and clinician reports and pill counting. The WA, as assessed by both CM and patient, was assessed using the Working Alliance Inventory.
The WA was stable during the course of the study as rated by both patient and CM. The "task" domain of WA was the subdomain most significantly correlated to adherence in cross-sectional analysis. The WA as measured by CM at study baseline was a significant predictor of the number of subsequent months with "good" adherence independently of other variables, including adherence at treatment onset (β = 0.011; P = 0.020; 95% confidence interval, 0.002-0.020). However, the WA as measured by patients was not similarly predictive of subsequent adherence (β = 0.003; P = 0.31; 95% confidence interval, -0.003 to 0.010).
The CM-rated WA is a significant predictor of future medication adherence in FEP, suggesting that good alliance can improve adherence in this population.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology 06/2012; 32(4):465-9. · 5.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Poor adherence to medication is a major determinant of relapse following treatment of first-episode psychosis (FEP). However, medication-adherent patients also relapse. We examined what factors influence the risk of relapse after controlling for adherence.
We selected a sample of fully adherent patients (n = 65) who had achieved remission at one point. We then compared patients who relapsed, using 2 different definitions of relapse, to those who did not relapse by 12 months on age, sex, premorbid adjustment, duration of untreated psychosis, length of prodrome, and substance abuse.
Among the 65 medication-adherent patients in remission, 9 (14%) relapsed according to criteria for relapse requiring a change in medication. These patients differed from those who remained in remission only in the pattern of premorbid adjustment (greater proportion with deteriorating pattern), although this was not independent of other variables. No differences were found on any other variable. Using a more commonly used metric for relapse, based on symptom ratings alone, an additional 14 (21.5%) patients relapsed. Substance abuse significantly predicted relapse, with substance abusers having more than 25 times the odds of relapsing by 12 months (OR 25.6; 95% CI 2.4 to 278.1, P = 0.008).
Using a more conservative definition of relapse in this adherent-to-medication population, we find a very low rate of relapse associated, at least partially, with poor premorbid adjustment. As substance abuse was a significant predictor of symptomatic relapse, this would suggest that there should be a greater emphasis on interventions focused on reducing substance abuse in FEP.
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie 02/2012; 57(2):78-84. · 2.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Our aim was to examine the concerns reported by family members and other caregivers of individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP).
Family members who attended group psychoeducation selected their top two concerns from a list of nine concerns: stigma, medication, substance abuse, social behaviour, stressful situations, self-esteem and identity, sexuality and intimacy, early warning signs, and resources and support.
Parents, particularly mothers, were a significant majority of those who attended psychoeducation sessions. In order of frequency of endorsement, the concerns endorsed were self-esteem and identity, social behaviour, substance abuse, medications, stressful situations, early warning signs, resources and support, stigma, and sexuality and intimacy.
Families were most concerned about the self-esteem and identity of their young relatives with FEP. Our findings suggest that early intervention programmes should specifically address issues of self-esteem and identity. Further research on the concerns shared by families of individuals with FEP is needed.
Early Intervention in Psychiatry 04/2011; 5(2):163-7. · 0.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Family members of individuals with schizophrenia suffer from elevated rates of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) and other forms of psychopathology. However, few studies have examined familial psychopathology in probands with a first episode of psychosis (FEP). We systematically evaluated family history in patients experiencing an affective or non-affective FEP.
The Family Interview for Genetic Studies was used to obtain diagnostic information on all first- and second-degree relatives of probands admitted to a specialized FEP program. Probands were 94 previously untreated patients suffering from a first-episode of affective or schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, aged 14 to 30. The interview ascertained diagnoses of psychotic disorders, affective disorders, substance-use disorders (SUD), and schizophrenia-related personality disorders.
One in five probands (19.1%) had a history of psychosis among their first-degree relatives, while 34.0% had any relative with psychosis. Fewer probands had a family history of SSD (7.4% with a first-degree history and 18.1% with a history among any relatives). Over half (53.2%) of probands had a first-degree relative with Major Depressive Disorder, and 38.3% had a first-degree relative with a SUD. Overall, 69.9% of probands had a first-degree relative with a mental disorder. The proportion of probands with a family history of any of these diagnoses did not vary by proband diagnosis (affective or SS Psychosis), though probands with co-morbid SUD were more likely to have a family history of substance abuse.
Diverse psychopathology is commonly present in families of FEP patients and may imply a generalized vulnerability to psychiatric disorders to be greater in such families compared to specific vulnerability to SS or affective psychosis. These findings may also have implications for provision of care for the probands.
Biological Psychiatry 09/2009; 114(1-3):57-63. · 8.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the reliability, validity and factor structure of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), a 42-item self-report questionnaire. We analyzed the internal consistency of the CAPE to determine whether the 3-factor structure (positive, negative and depressive symptoms) found by the CAPE authors would also be found in our sample.
A sample of 2275 individuals from the general community in the Montreal area completed the questionnaire in either French or English.
The internal consistencies of the original three subscales were good and the confirmatory factor models had a good fit. The exploratory factor analysis suggested a 3-5-factor solution, without improving the alternative factor structures. The 4-factor solution separated positive symptoms into factors we called 'bizarre positive symptoms' and 'social delusions', and the 5-factor solution separated positive symptoms further and included a 'popular psychic beliefs' factor. Results suggest that the scalability might be improved by shortening the original questionnaire to 23 items with the same 3 original scales.
We support the internal consistency of the CAPE. Although alternative scaling (4 and 5 factors) did not improve the model fit, researchers interested in distinguishing 3 factors of positive symptoms could find utility in these two new scales. Finally, reducing the number of CAPE items could be useful for shorter surveys. Future studies should test the implications of these suggestions.
Schizophrenia Research 10/2007; 95(1-3):86-95. · 4.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to report Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3) scores, at baseline and at one year, for patients with psychotic disorders. Eighty two randomly selected outpatients from a Montreal teaching hospital completed the HUI3 and other measures of symptoms and side-effects. At baseline, the average Global Utility score was 0.64, which is rated in the "dysfunctional" health status range. Improvements were seen at one year follow-up in the Global, Dexterity, Cognition, and Pain Utility scores. The proportion of individuals rated in the "healthy" health status range improved by 32% from baseline to one year. HUI3 scores were negatively related to measures of psychotic symptoms and side-effects. We propose that the HUI3 should be used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with psychotic disorders. Scores could be compared with other populations affected with chronic conditions (e.g., Alzheimer dementia, cancer, arthritis, etc.).
Psychiatric Quarterly 04/2007; 78(1):53-62. · 1.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A qualitative procedure based on self-administered open-ended questions was assessed in three psychiatric outpatient clinics in Montreal. Acceptability to clients, mode of administration and convergent validity were evaluated. Comparison with findings from personal interviews demonstrates a lower frequency in responses but similar patterns in sources of satisfaction/dissatisfaction. Scores generated by quantification of responses to one of the open-ended questions presented a significant correlation with a standardized questionnaire (OQOS) administered to 242 psychiatric outpatients. Findings suggest that a self-administered procedure based on open-ended questions could be practical and useful for both formative evaluation and monitoring in environments with limited resources.
Community Mental Health Journal 07/2006; 42(3):233-42. · 1.03 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study prospectively assessed the preferences and satisfaction of 98 psychiatric inpatients and 40 of their relatives with family involvement in discharge planning. Preferences questionnaires were administered during hospitalization. Satisfaction questionnaires were completed 3 months later. Preferences noted by most participants included information concerning patient health status, ways to prevent further hospitalizations, services for relatives, and signs of patient decompensation. More relatives than patients felt that post-discharge residence and activities were important areas to be involved in. Most participants were satisfied if relatives were involved in discharge planning. However, up to 89% of patients, and 84% of relatives, reported no communication between clinical staff and relatives regarding discharge. When this was the case, satisfaction rates dropped sharply, especially for relatives. The need for increased communication between clinicians and relatives regarding discharge planning remains a problem.
Psychiatric Quarterly 02/2005; 76(4):297-315. · 1.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Eight focus groups were conducted with the stakeholders involved in psychiatric foster homes: people with psychiatric disabilities, families, caregivers, and professionals. Four content dimensions emerged as important: 1) foster home environment, 2) caregiver characteristics, 3) community integration, and 4) stakeholder relationships. Findings revealed different perspectives among stakeholders. Caregivers and professionals differed in their views on rehabilitation. Families wanted stricter controls within homes; residents appreciated more autonomy. While residents and caregivers focussed on integration within the foster home, professionals criticized the lack of community integration. These findings demonstrate the need to examine the perspectives of multiple stakeholders in order to present a complete view of psychiatric foster homes.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal 02/2004; 27(3):228-34. · 0.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Outpatients with long-term psychotic disorders from two clinical case management programs were interviewed one-on-one to determine their satisfaction with specific aspects of such services. Patients answered standardized questionnaires and two open-ended satisfaction questions. The close follow-up provided by these programs led us to expect high patient satisfaction, and most patients were very satisfied with their clinical case managers. Lower functioning patients, followed by more intensive clinical case management, were equally satisfied to those followed by a less intensive program. However, many patients revealed dissatisfaction with explanations about clinical treatment and services.
Community Mental Health Journal 03/2002; 38(1):51-9. · 1.03 Impact Factor
