Application of Psychoeducation-Based Model Group Work in Continuous Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Disorder in Remission.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the value of psychoeducation-based group work in the continuous treatment of patients with bipolar disorder in remission.

Methods: From December 2020 to March 2022, 60 outpatients with remission-stage bipolar disorder were enrolled in the trial. All enrolled subjects were randomly and single-blindly divided into a study group and a control group at a 1:1 ratio. The control group was treated with general drug therapy, while the study group was treated with group psychological education combined with drug therapy. To analyze the treatment adherence of patients in the two groups, and to compare the changes in self-awareness and attitude toward treatment questionnaire (ITAQ) scale scores, Morisky medication adherence scale scores, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) total scores, and subscale scores before and after the intervention in the two groups.

Results: The mean score for treatment compliance in the study group was 4.2 ± 0.3, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 3.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). The ITAQ score in the study group following the intervention was significantly higher than that in the control group (18.5 ± 3.2 vs. 12.7 ± 2.7, p < 0.001), as well as the study group prior to the intervention (p < 0.001). Morisky scale scores after intervention were significantly higher than those in the control group (6.9 ± 1.0 vs. 5.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.001) and the study group before intervention (p < 0.001). Sheehan Disability Scale 1 (SDS1), SDS2, SDS3, and SDS scores after intervention were 8.5 ± 1.2, 8.0 ± 1.5, 7.9 ± 2.0, and 25.5 ± 4.3, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the control group (all p < 0.001). The proportion of positive coping style for bipolar disorder in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (93.3% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Continuous intervention using psychoeducation-based model group work in patients with bipolar disorder in the remission stage can significantly improve treatment compliance, improve insight and treatment attitudes, ensure compliance with drug therapy, and reduce the degree of mental disability.