J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2020 Aug;59(3):215-227. 10.4306/jknpa.2020.59.3.215.

Review of Group Family Psychoeducation for Schizophrenia and Recommendation of Program Applicable to Korean Situation

• Paik SH

• KMID: 2506211
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2020.59.3.215

Abstract

Family psychoeducation is a potent therapeutic tool for schizophrenia and is strongly recommended in major treatment guidelines. Family psychoeducation is effective for improving the psychopathology and therapeutic adherence of the patients as well as reducing the burden of the illness and the stress of family members. Despite its effectiveness, family psychoeducation is underutilized. Group family psychoeducation appears to be quite effective because it enhances the social network of family members and activates therapeutic factors, such as universalization, acceptance, interpersonal learning, and instillation of hope in the group. This review article overviews the currently published group family psychoeducation programs in detail, including number, length, and contents of sessions. The author recommends two-track group family psychoeducation, which may be suitable for the Korean situation: 1) large open group psychoeducation course that deals with general knowledge about schizophrenia; and 2) small closed group intensive psychoeducation course that covers discussions about the psychological needs and strengths of each family, communication, and problem-solving skill training and self-care.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Family; Psychoeducation; Group