Talking About Cannabis: Developing an Intervention for Family Members of Young Adults With FEP to Support Reduced Cannabis Use
University of Washington
Summary
The objectives of this research is to (1) create a family intervention and provider manual to train family members of young people with psychosis (YP-P) who are heavy cannabis users new communication skills to motivate change in the YP-P's cannabis use, (2) pre-test the intervention with 10 family member participants and adapt the intervention based on their recommendations, and (3) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in a randomized pilot trial (n=40). The investigators anticipate that the intervention will improve family participants' communication skills, decrease expressed emotion and caregiver burden. The investigators anticipate that improvements in communication skills, expressed emotion and caregiver burden will lead to decreases in the cannabis use of their YP-P.
Description
The objectives of this research will be implemented in two phases. Phase II will develop a family intervention informed by a Stakeholder Advisory Board and pre-test the intervention will be adapted with 10 family member participants. The intervention based on recommendations in phase 1. The investigators anticipate that the intervention will improve family participants' communication skills, decrease expressed emotion and caregiver burden. The investigators anticipate that improvements in communication skills, expressed emotion and caregiver burden will lead to decreases in the cannabis use of…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 18 years or older, 2. has a loved one who is both in CSC treatment for FEP and has used cannabis in the past 30 days, 3. has regular contact with their loved one with FEP. It is assumed that YA-P will be aged 13-40 with schizophrenia spectrum disorder given criteria for CSC enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to read study materials and communicate feedback in English 2. Do not have access to Zoom
Interventions
- BehavioralCannabis Conversation Skills for Families (CCSF)
The purpose of the intervention is to train family members in communication skills that may increase contemplation of change in their loved one with first episode psychosis to reduce cannabis use, decrease conflict surrounding these discussions, and provide skills to understand when and how to approach their loved one about cannabis use and encourage treatment. Because families report confusion from the mixed messages they receive about cannabis and also desire research-based information, CCSF will involve psychoeducation on the risks and relationship of cannabis to psychosis to increase participants motivation to engage in the intervention. frequency of cannabis use as it relates to psychosis treatment outcomes.
Location
- The University of WashingtonSeattle, Washington