Inviting reflexivity during family sessions in a first episode psychosis program: Case reports
Poster B135, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Manuel Tettamanti1, Fabrice Chantraine1, Logos Curtis1; 1Young Adults Psychiatry Unit; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs for first episode psychosis generally include psychosocial interventions with families (e.g. Falloon et al., 1996; McGorry et al., 1996; Seikkulla & Olson, 2003). Seikkulla et al. (2006; 2009) have shown that a reflexive stance (i.e. named “Open Dialogue”) during family sessions could have beneficial effects for young adults and their families. Within a more psychoeducational stance there is also, influenced by consumer perspective, a preoccupation to empower young adults and their families as much as possible (McGorry et al,.1996). METHODS: The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate the possibilities of implementation of a specific reflexive interview technique (Auberjonois et al., 2011) within family sessions of our program. Two cases studies conducted at the Young Adults Psychiatry Unit (i.e. specialized unit for early recognition and treatment of mental disorders) are described. RESULTS: The two cases (aged between 18 and 25 years) were selected and compared with quantitative data available for our whole cohort (N= 268). Reflexive interviews were done during a family session and qualitative feedback about the interview was obtained from each family member and from participating clinical staff. DISCUSSION: We discuss the two patients and their family for which we tested reflexive interview technique. Qualitative and quantitative feedback on satisfaction with this interview is discussed. Advantages and limitations in implementation of this kind of interview with first episode psychosis patient and their families is presented.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions