Psychoeducation for bipolar disorder

Abstract EN

Background: Recurrence rates and number of hospitalizations for patient with bipolar disorders remain high despite progress in psychopharmacology.

Psychoeducation is an integral part of treatment for psychiatric disorders, which can improve compliance and reduce the risk of recurrence and consequent hospitalization.

Aim: The present study assessed a six month, group psychoeducation intervention for patients with bipolar disorders.

Method: Patients (N=45) fulfilling DSM-IV-TR criteria for bipolar disorders type1 aged 20 to 40 years were included in the study and randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n=24) or a control group (n=21).

They were selected during routine follow-up in the outpatient's' psychiatric clinic of the Armed Forces Hospital Northern Area located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Results: The intervention group had fewer hospitalizations and became more compliant with medication.

Conclusions: The six-month group psychoeducation increased compliance with medication and reduced recurrence as well as the number of hospitalizations in patients with bipolar disorders.