Effect of Family Psychoeducation on the Level of Adaptation and Improvement of Patients with Mood Disorders

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of the family’s knowledge and skills on the improvement of patients with mood disorder.

In a clinical experiment, 31 patients with mood disorders presenting to Golestan Hospital in the city of Ahwaz, Iran, were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The control group took part in six weekly psychoeducation sessions. Data were collected using Mc Master Family Questionnaire, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Beach-Rafaelsen Mania Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning.

After intervention, the two groups showed significant statistical difference with regard to family adaptation (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the two groups regarding the severity of symptoms and general functioning of the patients before discharge, at discharge, and three months after intervention. Also, results showed a significant difference regarding medication compliance between the two groups.

Psychological training of the family can affect family adaptation. These findings imply the necessity for the provision of educational, social, and consulting services and the formation of social networks for the patients and their families.