Efficacy of Psycho-Education with the Patients of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Psycho-education is a valuable tool in helping clients to know what's wrong with them, what diagnosis they have, how the condition may have developed and what should be done to improve the condition. Present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of psyhcoeducation with the patients of schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 40 schizophrenic patients {20 patients in the treatment group and 20 in the control group). Pre assessment of both groups was done for positive and negative symptoms using Scale for the Assessment of Positive symptoms, and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Behavior checklist was used to assess the daily functioning of the patients. The experimental group underwent psycho-education along with pharmacotherapy and control group received only pharmacotherapy. Post assessment was done after one month. Comparison of treatment and control group was done for pre and post-treatment scores. The experimental group showed significant improvement in comparison to control group in negative symptoms (affective flattening/ blunting, a logia, avolition- apathy, and anhedonia asociality). Significant improvement was noticed in insight and drug compliance.