MHM Magazine

30 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 3 | 2021 MHM • Improving emotional regulation. • Acceptance of bipolar disorder without the interference of myths, and incorrect beliefs. • Identification of personal trigger factors that could lead to and cause a relapse. • Identification of relationship issues that could be part of trigger factors. • Improving the clear understanding of mania, hypomania, and depression as well as mixed moods. • Improving patients’ understanding of the importance of sleep routines and healthy habits. • Teaching patients the correct way of marking their mood diaries. • To create an understanding of the various psycho- pharmacological treatments available, their functions, class, and possible side effects. Patients should be able to personalise this information and know where their prescribed medication for bipolar fits in. • To compare scientific to alternative treatments helping patients to avoid possible pitfalls. • Address substance abuse, as well as substances and medications that could have a detrimental impact on bipolar disorder. The International Society for Bipolar Disorder indicates that up to 56% of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder could have a comorbid substance abuse problem. • Teaching patients how to identify stress as well as techniques to manage it. • Improving the ability to identify new episodes and management of new episodes. Various studies including random clinical trial studies have shown the efficacy of psychoeducation programmes. Lately studies have been published that apply to general clinical practice and have also shown positive results for the efficacy of psychoeducation for bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation improves relapse rates as well as adherence to medication and stabilising improving social functioning. Psychoeducation also reduces the risk for hospitalisation. The latest studies show efficacy of psychoeducation for both Bipolar 1 Disorder as well as Bipolar 2 Disorder. Psychoeducation at this stage does not impact on self-harm, suicide, and involuntary admission to hospital. This is most probably due to the serious nature of episodes when self-harm, suicide or involuntary admission to hospital occur. When these factors occur, it’s important that other treatment modalities better suited to deal with these emergencies, must be included to manage these issues. Psychoeducation is generally done in a group setting and on average varies from a few sessions to up to 21 sessions. These would include patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but patients are required to be stabilised well enough to benefit from psychoeducation and should also not be disruptive in a group setting. Psychoeducation has been shown to be well received and of value to family members and significant others of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, receiving the necessary information about bipolar disorder and how to best support and to interact with patients. How well patients function will determine their ability to navigate life’s demands and contribute to better self-confidence. Due to the encouraging results, psychoeducation is now recommended by various mental health treatment guidelines for bipolar disorder in different parts of the world. As such it’s important that mental healthcare practitioners should see the value and utilise psychotherapeutic interventions such as psychoeducation for bipolar disorder to the advantage of their patients. References available upon request