Impact of family psychoeducation on hospitalization and relapse of bipolar disorder in patients with mixed and manic episodes:A randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a disabling psychiatric disorder with frequent recurrences. Less than half of the patients with BD show good long-term response to treatment. Apart from pharmacotherapy, psychoeducation may be effective in reducing the symptoms and recurrence of BD, leading to improvements in patients' quality of life. In this study, we examined the effect of family psychoeducation on relapse rate and length of hospital stay in patients with BDs. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial (ethical committee number; IR.QUMS.REC.1394.136) was performed on 64 patients with BD at 22 Bahman Hospital of Qazvin, Iran. The patients were allocated into the following two groups: intervention and control groups. The patients in the control group received standard medical treatment, whereas those in the intervention group received 4 weekly sessions of family group psychoeducation, in addition to medical treatment. The patients were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory Rating Scale and the Young Mania Rating Scale. The recurrence rate, disease severity, and quality of life in both groups were evaluated. The intervention and control groups were followed up for 9 months regarding recurrence and hospitalization, and the results were compared between the groups. Results: Data analysis showed a reduction in the frequency and duration of hospitalization in the group receiving family psychoeducation and was dependent on the patient's level of education, place of residence (town/village), duration of illness, and frequency of hospitalization before the intervention. Conclusion: In addition to pharmacotherapy, family psychoeducation can have an enormous impact on patients with BDs and limit or decrease the risk of recurrence.