The onset and diagnosis of first-episode psychosis (FEP) represent a critical and highly stressful period not only for affected individuals but also for their informal caregivers and members of their close social network, with substantial emotional and psychological consequences. The aim was to identify evidence on caregivers’ experiences related to FEP and synthesize key domains of emotional impact, caregiver burden, family dynamics, and access to support pathways. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by hand-searching the reference lists of eligible articles, in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Independent study selection and data extraction were performed, and the findings were synthesized thematically. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The findings indicated that informal caregivers experience substantial emotional distress and psychological burden, alongside disruptions in family roles and relationships and challenges in accessing care pathways and support in the context of FEP. In the context of FEP, informal caregivers within the close social circle experience a pronounced emotional and psychological burden, characterized by intense fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress. These caregivers often assume substantial responsibilities with limited preparation or support. Addressing caregivers’ psychological needs should therefore be recognized as a core component of early psychosis care within public mental health systems.
Petrakou et al. (Wed,) studied this question.