Table 2 A comparison of standard family psychoeducation for bipolar disorder with the modified family psychoeducation for postpartum mothers with a psychotic illness
Standard family psychoeducation (SFP) | Modified family psychoeducation |
|---|---|
1. Joining | 1. Joining |
Identify early warning signs | Same as in standard family psychoeducation |
Explore reactions to illness | 2. Conjoint |
Identify coping strategies, triggers | Same as in standard family psychoeducation |
Review family networks | 3. Education workshop |
Investigate ways to reduce burden | Instead of a whole day workshop, this was spread into other psychoeducation sessions |
2. Conjoint | The epidemiology and biology of the illness were left out. Instead Lay perceptions including cultural beliefs about causes and treatments were incorporated, and early warning signs and triggers were dealt with in a participatory manner |
Allows family to come together as a unit before joining the multifamily group | |
3. Education workshop | 4. Problem solving, communication and vocational training |
Whole day workshop to address history and epidemiology, biology of illness, treatment and side effects, and family emotional reactions | This remained as in standard family psychoeducation but family planning, and breast feeding were incorporated along with specific income generating activities and the main moderators were the caregivers. |
4. Problem solving, communication and vocational training | Â |