| Learning Objective #1: Describe the rationale for a symptom management program for adolescents with mental illness. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify the role of family members in a symptom management program for adolescents with mental illness. |
Objective & Aims: The purpose of this five-year, NIH funded, clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of a family centered, community-based, self-management program for adolescents with DSM-IV diagnosed schizophrenia and their family members. The need for this study is evident by the lack of scientifically tested programs to assist families in coping with schizophrenia in an adolescent member of the family.
Framework: The framework for the study is derived from Nakagawa-Kogan’s self-management nursing model and Kanfer’s self-regulation theory.
Design: The study is a randomized two-group experimental design with repeated measures.
Sample, Setting: The subjects are 41 adolescents between the ages of 15-19 who meet the criteria for DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia when screened with the K-SADS and their family members. Families are referred by mental health professionals or self-referred. The study is conducted in the community at a major health sciences complex in the northwestern region of the United States.
Variables/Measures: Adolescent’s level of functioning is assessed with the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale. The family level of functioning is assessed with the FACES II, Family Apgar, Family Empowerment Scale, Family Attitude Scale & the Family Social Support Scale. The scales have been shown to be reliable and valid with this population and meet the criteria for sound psychometrics.
Treatment Protocol: The program consists of treatment administered in small multiple-family groups in 12 sessions over 8 months. Data are collected at 4-points in time, at baseline, after 6 intensive weekly sessions, after 6 monthly booster sessions and 6 months after the treatment.
Findings: Preliminary findings indicate the program is effective in increasing the level of symptom awareness for some adolescents and for family members.
Implications/Conclusions: The program, if effective, can be used by nurses to help families manage their mentally ill adolescents and better cope with the illness.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003