Long-term impact of the life goals group therapy program for bipolar patients.

BACKGROUND

Psychoeducation added to biological treatment enhances overall effectiveness in bipolar disorders. Here, we evaluated the long-term impact of a 2-phase structured psycho-educative group program (Life Goals Program or LGP) for bipolar patients, on parameters such as number and length of hospitalizations, mood stability, relapse prevention and social relationships.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients (55 females, 30 males) with bipolar disorder (48 bipolar I, 37 bipolar II) were included retrospectively. Fifty patients participated in phase 1 and 35 participated in phases 1 and 2 of the LGP. Impact on the number and cumulative length of hospitalization was evaluated by comparing the 3-year period before and after participation in phase 1 (6 weeks) or phases 1 and 2 (median duration 24 months, range 3-74).

RESULTS

Number of hospitalizations significantly decreased from the 3-year period before to the 3-year period after participation in phase 1 only (p=0.017), as well as participation in both phases (p=0.035). After attending phase 1 or phases 1 and 2, a majority of participants reported subjective improvement in mood stability, efficient prevention of relapse and better coping with relapse. Perceived improvement of social relationships was significantly higher for patients who attended phases 1 and 2 than for participants in phase 1 only.

LIMITATIONS

Uncontrolled retrospective study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that both phase 1 only and the full 2-phase LGP have long-term positive effects on the number of hospitalizations, mood stability and relapse prevention.