Longitudinal associations of family burden and patient quality of life in the context of first-episode schizophrenia in the RAISE-ETP study

Abstract

The present study examined longitudinal associations between family member perceived burden and clinical correlates to understand potential covariation in change over time in the context of first-episode schizophrenia in the RAISE-ETP study (N = 282). Across 24 months, family burden, patient quality of life, and positive symptoms improved. Findings from the present study suggest covariation in change over time in quality of life and family burden. As patient quality of life improved, family burden decreased. However, initial levels of quality of life were not significantly associated with changes in family burden and vice versa. Initial levels of positive symptoms were significantly associated with initial levels of family burden. These findings have treatment implications by suggesting the potential for interventions aimed at improving quality of life to have a spillover effect on family burden, or alternatively, that reducing perceived family burden may improve patient quality of life.