CS02.03 - The relevance of psychoeducation in the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

Background and Aims:

Due to the multifactorial origin of Schizophrenia, a multidimensional therapeutic approach has become state of the art in our days (APA 2004; DGPPN 2006). Whereas the efficacy of pharmacotherapy has been proven in a great number of studies (Möller 2005), data concerning the efficacy of psychotherapeutic and psychosocial measures are mixed up to now.

Methods:

There are many studies about psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive remediation, social skills training and other psychotherapeutic interventions, but we don`t know exactly if these measures are successful on their own or only in combination with other therapeutic measures. The newest findings in the literature will be screened concerning their efficacy.

Results:

Significant results have meanwhile been found concerning the rehospitalisation-rate during the first and the second year after discharge (Pekkala 2004; Pitschel-Walz et al 2006). For the time frame of 5-8 years after discharge in a pooled data analysis, a rehospitalisation rate of 54% among the intervention group and 80% among the controll group (p< .05) could be found in the tree long term follow-up studies of Tarrier et al (1994), Hornung et al (1999) and Bäuml et al (2007).

Conclusions:

Psychoeducation has proven as most effective, if relatives were included into the intervention (Pitschel-Walz, Bäuml et al 2001). The newest data concerning psychosocial interventions in general and concerning psychoeducation in particular will be presented. Consequences for therapy and scientific strategies will be discussed.