Effectiveness of a behavioral family psychoeducational program for Egyptian patients with bipolar disorder and their caregivers

Abstract

Background Pharmacological strategies and psychological interventions are increasingly being recognized as an essential component in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation for patients and their families may be beneficial in improving the outcome of the disorder. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of bipolar disorder in Egyptian patients who received patient/family psychoeducation therapy. Patients and methods Hundred and eleven patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and their relatives were recruited and followed up for 12 months; the final sample included 99 patients, yielding a defaulter rate of 10.8%. These participants were divided into two groups: group I that received a behavioral family psychoeducational program (n = 67 patients and their caregivers) and group II that received supportive psychotherapy (n=32 patients and their caregivers). We used the following parameters for assessment: the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index Client Questionnaire, and the Social Functioning Questionnaire. The caregivers were assessed using the Family Burden subscales from the Social Behavior Assessment Schedule. Results Our data showed a significant reduction over time in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale scores and a significant increase in the Social Functioning Questionnaire and Wisconsin Quality of Life Index Client Questionnaire scores for group I compared with group II. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the scores of Social Behavior Assessment Schedule in group I compared with group II. Conclusion The behavioral family psychoeducational program proved to be beneficial in the management of bipolar disorder patients and had a positive impact on their caregivers in terms of reducing caregivers’ burden.