The FINANCIAL — On September 15, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the initiation of the FIRST (Family Intervention in Recent Onset Schizophrenia Treatment) study at the 28th Annual U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress. FIRST examines the value of tailored psycho-education and skills training in reducing the burden on caregivers and improving treatment and recovery for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder.
These serious mental illnesses often begin in early adulthood, just as individuals are establishing their independence and while caregivers still play a large role in patients’ daily lives. Caregivers, like patients, can also benefit from support that is provided to them.
FIRST will evaluate the role of interactive, internet-based psycho-education and skills training for caregivers. Caregiver concerns about privacy, stigma, and the time commitment required for education and training have historically presented significant challenges to studying the impact of these programs on caregiver burden. Internet-based education may alleviate some of these concerns because they offer more privacy, discretion and flexible scheduling, according to Johnson & Johnson.
This innovative study will also include an exploratory analysis to assess the impact of this type of education and training in patients receiving long-acting paliperidone palmitate therapies or oral antipsychotic treatment.
“FIRST represents Janssen’s commitment to improving quality outcomes for people and families living with mental illnesses by researching real-world issues beyond symptom reduction,” said Michelle Kramer, Vice President, U.S. Neuroscience Medical Affairs, Janssen. “Although caregiver burden is widely recognized, this is the first study that examines the link between caregiver education and patient stability to determine if educating caregivers and helping them learn new skills will result in improved patient outcomes.”
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