Psychoeducation is a form of education that is specifically offered to individuals who are suffering from any one of several distinct mental health conditions impairing their ability to lead their lives.
The ideal aim of the psychoeducational approach is to give both the individuals who suffer from psychological conditions and their families a stronger base of knowledge for knowing on ways to cope and thrive in spite of the condition.
Some of the various conditions that may merit psychoeducational intervention include various anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic illnesses, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and clinical depression.
In order to optimize the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program, the family and close social network of the individual suffering from the condition are deeply encouraged to be involved in the process.
The goal of the psychoeducation program is not to completely alleviate the condition to the point where it is no longer a factor, but rather to give the person suffering from the psychological condition a better road map towards functioning in an optimal way without being too impeded by their condition.
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Ideally, the individual who suffers from a psychological condition can be given more positive coping skills, resources, cognitive patterns, and a sense of self-efficacy to get the most out of their lives.
A psychoeducation program does not last indefinitely, but in the most, ideal circumstance, it can empower a person who suffers from a psychological condition with the skills and thought habits self-regulate themselves in the long run.
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Origins
The notion of psychoeducation in medical literature was first brought up in the early 20th century by John E.Donley in his article titled, "Psychotherapy in Re-education." It wasn't until over three decades later that psychoeducation was first formally introduced as a medical term in the form of a book title: The Psychoeducational Clinic by Brian E. Tomlinson.
In the 80s, psychoeducation first emerged in a form resembling current interpretation as a proposed form of treatment for those suffering from schizophrenia. Essentially, it was suggested that those suffering from schizophrenia might be able to benefit from a care model that involved the participation of their close family members-this was heavily advocated by C.M.Anderson.
In 1980, Anderson's research was heavily focused on facilitating a better prognosis for those suffering from schizophrenia by using the influence of positive social authority in the healing process.
Through the intersection of Anderson's social authority-focused schizophrenia treatment model and the implementation of several innovative stress relief techniques, psychoeducation made its first appearance into the lexicon of recognized behavioral therapy methods.
Program types
There are various different forms of psychoeducation programs, categorized based on whether or not it is structured in a one-on-one model or a group model. A credentialed healthcare provider, oftentimes with the assistance of nurses and other medical professionals, may take on the role of an educator to help a person suffering from schizophrenia or other psychological conditions become more cognizant and well-informed about the nature of whatever condition they are challenged by.
Health educators that serve as educators in psychoeducation programs can include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers and other professionals.