Treatment of Schizophrenia Through Internet-Based Psychoeducation

Schizophrenia Patient and Family Continuity of Care

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a Web-based psychoeducational program in helping people with schizophrenia and their families manage the disease.

This study will provide a comprehensive psychoeducational program which includes education, social support, information, coping strategies, and guidance from mental health, social services, and medical professionals. This study will work to reduce relapse, facilitate patient rehabilitation, decrease family distress, and improve family well being.

Patients and their families participate in an in-person Psychoeducational Survival Skills Workshop that is designed to provide patients and their families with basic information about schizophrenia and its treatment. After the workshop, participants are provided with 6 Web-based modules that are designed to increase mental health and schizophrenia knowledge. Patient relapse, family distress, family knowledge of schizophrenia, and data on user's acceptance and utilization are measured to determine the intervention's effectiveness.

Inclusion Criteria

• DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• At least 4 hours/week in-person contact with a family member
• Primary caregiver with a telephone
• Patient and primary caregiver speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Enrolled in another clinical trial
• Evidence of organic brain syndrome
• Current alcohol or substance abuse that could explain the presenting index psychotic episode
• DSM-IV diagnosis of psychoactive substance dependency