ผลของโปรแกรมสุขภาพจิตศึกษากลุ่มครอบครัวต่อภาวะกดดันด้านจิตใจ ของผู้ดูแลผู้ป่วยโรคซึมเศร้า

Piyathida Kamwang; Sudaporn Stithyudhakarn

Authors

Piyathida Kamwang Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University
Sudaporn Stithyudhakarn Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University

Keywords:

group family psychoeducation, psychological distress, caregivers of patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects not only patients but also their family caregivers. These caregivers often experience a high caregiving burden and inadequate social support, leading to psychological distress. Therefore, this study developed a group family psychoeducation program based on McFarlane’s concept to reduce caregiver burden, enhance social support, and alleviate psychological distress among caregivers of patients with MDD.

Research objectives: To compare psychological distress among caregivers of patients with MDD before and after participating in the group family psychoeducation program, and to compare psychological distress levels between the experimental and control groups.

Research methodology: This quasi-experimental study involved 60 caregivers of patients with MDD who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The research materials and instruments, which were validated by five experts, included: (1) the group family psychoeducation program, (2) a demographic questionnaire, and (3) the Kessler psychological distress scale (CVI = 1.00; Cronbach’s α = .83). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test.

Results: After participating in the group family psychoeducation program, the mean psychological distress score of the experimental group was significantly lower than their pre-intervention score (p < .001) and significantly lower than that of the control group (p < .001).

Conclusions: The group family psychoeducation program is effective in reducing psychological distress among caregivers of patients with MDD.

Implications: The group family psychoeducation program should be implemented for caregivers of patients with MDD who experience psychological distress.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

World Health Organization. Depressive disorder (depression) [Internet]. 2025 August 28 [cited 2025 Aug 30]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

Department of Mental Health. Access to services for patients with depression: report [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from: https://thaidepression.com/www/report/main_report/ (in Thai)

Ahlström BH, Skärsäter I, Danielson E. Living with major depression: experiences from families’ perspectives. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences 2009;23(2):309-16.

Radfar M, Ahmadi F, Fallahi M. Turbulent life: the experiences of the family members of patients suffering from depression. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 2014;21(3):249-56.

Ridner SH. Psychological distress: concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 2004;45(5):536-45.

Udoh EE, Omorere DE, Sunday O, Osasu OS, Amoo BA. Psychological distress and burden of care among family caregivers of patients with mental illness in a neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic in Nigeria. Public Library of Science One 2021;16(5):1-16.

Pianchob S, Sangon S, Sitthimongkol Y, Williams RA, Orathai P. A causal model of psychological distress of Thai family caregivers of people with major depressive disorder. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research 2014;18(3):173–86.

Pitanupong J, Tuntikitjakun C. Burden among relatives of individuals with depression in southern Thailand: A university hospital-based cross-sectional survey. Journal of Health Science and Medical Research 2023;41(5):1-14.

McGill KM. An examination of predictors of mental health, efficacy and dissemination of a group education program for carers of people with depression [doctoral’s thesis]. Sydney: Macquarie University; 2013.

Kidron SB, Soylemez KK, Lusher J, Carretero-Resino AM. Through their eyes: Exploring the experiences of individuals living with a person with depression. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 2024;22(3):1284-95.

Fadden G, Bebbington P, Kuipers L. Caring and its burdens. A study of the spouses of depressed patients. The British Journal of Psychiatry 1987;151(1):660-7.

Wasley D, Eden S. Predicting psychological distress of informal carers of individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 2018;27(1):358-67.

Katsuki F, Takeuchi H, Konishi M, Sasaki M, Murase Y, Naito A, et al. Pre-post changes in psychosocial functioning among relatives of patients with depressive disorders after brief multifamily psychoeducation: A pilot study. BioMed Central Psychiatry 2011;11(1):1-7.

Minaei-Moghadam S, Manzari ZS, Vaghee S, Mirhosseini S. Effectiveness of a supportive care program via a smartphone application on the quality of life and care burden among family caregivers of patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. BioMed Central Public Health 2024;24(66):1-10.

El-Bilsha M. Effect of family intervention on family caregivers’ burden, depression, anxiety and stress among relatives of depressed patients. Middle East Journal of Age and Ageing 2019;16(1):3-13.

McFarlane WR. Psychoeducational multifamily groups for families with persons with severe mental illness. In: Lebow JL, editor. Handbook of clinical family therapy. New jersey: Wiley; 2005. p.195-226.

Sin J, Gillard S, Spain D, Cornelius V, Chen T, Henderson C. Effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for family carers of people with psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review 2017;56:13-24.

Reinares M, Vieta E, Colom F, Martínez-Arán A, Torrent C, Comes M, et al. Impact of a psychoeducational family intervention on caregivers of stabilized bipolar patients. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics 2004;73(5):312-9.

Brady P, Kangas M, McGill KM. What works in family psychoeducation for depression? A component analysis of a six-week program for family-carers of people with depression. The Australian Community Psychologist 2017;28(2):67-84.

Kessler R, Mroczek D. Final versions of our non-specific psychological distress scale. Ann Arbor (MI): Survey Research Center of the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan; 1994.

Yamano S, Upasen R. The effect of coping skills enhancement program on psychological distress in caregivers of person with schizophrenia. Nursing Journal Chiang Mai University 2020;47(2):310-19. (in Thai)

Laorsuwan P, Jiratjintana N. The Effect of family psychoeducation program on caregivers’ burden among caregiver of schizophrenia patient receiving home visit services in Bangkok. Journal of Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry 2018;12(2):37-47. (in Thai)