A study of the real-world effectiveness of group psychoeducation for bipolar disorders: Is change in illness perception a key mediator of benefit?

Abstract

BackgroundFindings from efficacy trials of group psychoeducation (PE) for bipolar disorders (BD) led to its inclusion in evidence-based guidelines as a first-line mandatory treatment. However, pragmatic trials and observational studies are needed to determine its real-world effectiveness, impact on outcomes deemed important to patients and to clarify potential mediators of any benefits. MethodsIndividuals with BD were offered the opportunity to participate in 20h of PE and asked to complete pre- and post-intervention ratings of symptoms, knowledge about BD, medication adherence, and illness perception. A priori, two key patient outcomes were identified (social functioning and self-esteem); sample attrition due to dropout or relapse was recorded. ResultsOf 156 individuals who completed the pre-PE assessments, 103 completed the program and post-PE assessments. Only 4 of 53 dropouts were associated with BD relapse. Post-intervention, the PE completers demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in social functioning (p = 0.003, Effect Size (ES) = 0.26) and a trend towards improved self-esteem (ES = 0.14). Whilst there were significant changes in medication adherence (p = 0.002, ES = 0.28), knowledge of BD (p < 0.001, ES = 1.20), and illness perception (p < 0.001, ES = −0.37), mediational analysis demonstrated that only change in illness perception was associated to change in functioning (p=0.03) with no contribution from changes in knowledge of BD or medication adherence. ConclusionsIn real-world settings, over 60% individuals completed 10-session course of PE. After controlling for demography and baseline clinical state, change in illness perception, rather than change in knowledge or medication adherence, emerged as a potential mediator of some benefits of PE.