Group educational program for people with bipolar disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder [BD] is a severe, chronic illness, characterized by episodes of relapse alternating with symptomatic remissions. For this reason, its most optima/ prognosis is intimately associated with a long-term, dynamic, and multidisciplinary treatment program. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions in preventing recurrence risk, and for this reason, psychological education must be an essential component in a treatment program. The contents delivered by this methodology seek to improve the course and prognosis of BD by addressing the following issues: To improve the leve/ of insight related to the illness; to face stigmatization and strengthen patient dignity; to improve treatment compliance; to identify triggering factors and prodromic signs of relapse; to handle stress; to establish a contingency plan for relapses; to prevent drug use and abuse, which increase risk of relapse and, to promote healthy life-styles. For the authors, no well-designed studies have been pefformed in our country that can show evidence regarding the usefulness of an educational intervention in BD. The objective of this program is to evaluate the impact of education on relapse rates, hospitalization, treatment compliance, work and academic absenteeism and quality of life.