Table 1 Summary of Reaching Out guided self-help manual modules aims and content

Introduction

To (i) increase carers’ understanding of psychosis, and (ii) appreciate how to use the problem-solving framework.

Content: Summary of psychosis; myths stereotypes and stigma about psychosis; the role of a carer; family and friends; common experiences of families; introduction to the 5-step problem-solving approach.

1. Caregiver well-being

To assist carers to: (i) work through their emotions, (ii) reflect upon how they are currently looking after themselves, and (iii) develop good coping techniques.

Content: Carers’ emotions; wellbeing; coping skills and guidelines for coping; problem-solving activity.

2. Getting the best out of support services

To enable carers to (i) access support services, and (ii) get the most out of support services.

Content: Carer’s rights and responsibilities; how to access and communicate with service providers; building relationships with service providers; a framework for asking questions from treatment providers; making complaints and voicing concerns; confidentiality; problem-solving activity.

3. Well-being of the person with psychosis

To (i) increase carers’ understanding of how they can promote the affected young family member’s well-being; (ii) equip carers to provide practical and emotional support to the young person; (iii) increase carer’s understanding of, and contribution to treatment; and (iv) recognise early signs of relapse.

Content: Promoting the well-being of the young person with psychosis; emotional and practical support; how to prevent relapse; treatment; medication; stress management; family support; problem-solving activity.

4. Dealing with the effects of the illness: Part 1

To (i) examine effective ways of carers communicating with the young person; and (ii) equip carers about how to deal with the young person when they lack motivation, socially withdraw, engage in risky and unrestrained behaviour, have disturbed sleep, and experience hallucinations and delusions.

Content: Effective communication; lack of motivation; social withdrawal; risky and unrestrained behaviour; disturbed sleep; hallucinations and delusions.

5. Dealing with the effects of the illness: Part 2

To explore ways for carers to respond to and support the young person when they are engaging in challenging and risky behaviour.

Content: Weight gain; reluctance to take medication; substance misuse; aggressive behaviour; suicidal behaviour; depression and suicide; self-harm and suicide.