Patients’ perspectives of the effects of a group-based therapeutic patient education program for bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Background Few qualitative studies have explored the impact of group-based psychoeducation programs from the perspective of patients with bipolar disorder, and no studies to date have examined the effects of such programs on patients’ personal recovery. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a group therapeutic education program on the personal recovery of people with bipolar disorder and its determinants. Methods Three professionals conducted semistructured interviews with 16 patients who participated in 9 weekly sessions of four separate bipolar therapeutic education programs. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively by two of the professionals using the thematic analysis method. Results Three main themes emerged from the interviews: the elements of therapeutic education, the experience of therapeutic education and the changes facilitated by therapeutic education. The changes reported by the participants included the evolution of the patient’s relationship with the disorder, improvement in the patient’s knowledge of the disorder, improvement in disorder management throughout daily life in general, and development of psycho-social skills and social relationships. Conclusions This study provides support for the beneficial impact of group therapeutic education programs on the personal recovery of people with bipolar disorder. These programs improve all dimensions of recovery according to the CHIME model, with connectedness, hope and empowerment being the main dimensions impacted. Our results indicate that therapeutic group education programs can be beneficial for people with bipolar disorder at any point during their experience of the disorder, with the potential exception of periods of thymic decompensation.

The experience of caregivers providing therapeutic patient education for people living with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study

“…Thus, all our results are in favor of the action of TPE in the recovery process according to Leamy and her colleagues. Another qualitative study carried out in our department in the same time regarding patients participating in TPE programs confirmed the benefits of the TPE program on the personal recovery of people with bipolar disorder and indicated that it improved all dimensions of recovery in the CHIME model [ 25 ]. Duval and her colleagues also stated that sharing experiences among peers promotes knowledge of the illness, a sense of being understood by others, and a sense of belonging to a group.…”

Bipolar disorder and sexuality: a preliminary qualitative pilot study

“…The participants had all participated in psychoeducation as part of the standard treatment at the clinic. Psychoeducation as an add-on treatment has several benefits, including reducing relapse rate, improving treatment adherence, improving social functioning and promoting healthy habits in patients (Duval et al 2022 ; Bond and Anderson 2015 ). We found in our study that age and time living with a diagnosis of BD had improved coping strategies regarding sexuality and BD.…”

Relationship between personal recovery, autobiographical memory, and clinical recovery in people with mental illness in the acute phase

“…For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms [ 14 ].” The concept of recovery is applicable to many individuals with mental illnesses other than schizophrenia [ [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ]. Recovery is broadly classified into clinical recovery (i.e., the objective improvement in symptoms and functioning) and personal recovery (i.e., the restoration of self-worth and meaningful life) [ 19 ].…”