A comparison of expressed emotion in caregivers of patients with first-episode psychosis and chronic psychosis

Objective: This research has been done as descriptive cross-sectional with the aim of comparing to expressed emotion of caregivers on the first episode and chronic psychotic patient. Method: The research was conducted in two university hospitals and psychiatry polyclinics of one training research hospital with a mental health and illnesses hospital between November 2017 and November 2018. The people (68) taking care of the first episode psychotic patients and the people (70) who are caregiver of chronic psychotic patients has formed sample of the research. Data Form Regarding Defining Characteristics and Expressed Emotion Scale (EES) has beeen used in data collection. Number and percentage distribution, chi square, fisher exact test and t test analysis have been used on assessment phase. Results: Significant differences haven't been found between avarage points (17.22+̅4.92) of expressed emotion of people caregivers of first episode psychotic patient and avarage points (18.96+̅5.71) of expressed emotion of people caregivers of chronic psychotic patients (t=1.913, p=.058). There is no significant differences of caregivers expressed emotion between critical comment/hostility (p=.104) on low state and emotional over-involvement (p=.240) on low state. Conclusion: In this study, expressed emotion points of caregivers of first episode psychotic patients are similar with the sub dimensions of critical comments/hostility low state and emotional over-involvement. Intervention programs such as early psychosis programs to the caregivers of first-episode psychosis patients may reduce the high- expressed emotion in the chronic process, since caregivers may influence the development of coping skills during the first episode of psychosis. In addition, qualitative researchs that first episode psychotic and chonic psychotic patients' caregivers' manners and approachments toward family member who has mental illness can be examined deeply are suggested. Key Words: Psychosis, first-episode psychosis, chronic psychosis, caregiver, expressed emotion