Family psychoeducation to support patients with psychotic illness: two-year outcomes from a pre–post longitudinal pilot study

Background Psychoeducation for families of young adults with psychosis is an evidence-based intervention that alleviates carer burden. The implementation of programming is limited, leaving family carers shouldering a heavy burden without appropriate support. Objective This pre-post longitudinal pilot study evaluated the preliminary outcomes of a psychoeducational group intervention for family carers of young adults with psychosis, aimed at building skills and reducing carer burden to support recovery in their loved ones. Methods The intervention, co-developed and co-facilitated by healthcare professionals and individuals with family lived experience, was delivered in Edmonton, Canada. Participants ( n = 13) completed the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS) at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. Linear mixed models assessed burden scores over time. Results The overall model of total burden did not reach statistical significance. Exploratory post-hoc comparisons indicated a significant total burden reduction from pre-intervention to 6-months ( p = 0.032), with no other significant changes. The overall family interaction burden subscale model showed no significant effect of time. Exploratory post-hoc analyses indicated a decrease in family interaction burden from pre- to post-intervention ( p = 0.026) and to 6- months ( p = 0.032), with no other significant changes. Conclusion This pilot study provides preliminary and hypothesis-generating findings suggesting a co-produced, skills- and knowledge-based psychoeducational intervention may be associated with reductions in carer burden, particularly in the domain of family relations. Given the small sample size, further research with sufficient statistical power is warranted to evaluate the long-term impact and accessibility of the intervention and inform its integration into early psychosis care.