How can psychoeducation help in the treatment of mental disorders?

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to introduce psychoeducation as a strategy for building information on mental health, as well as to discuss its potential contribution to the decision of seeking treatment, treatment adherence, and decrease of mental disorder symptoms. Method: For this purpose, a narrative review of the literature was performed. Results: Results showed that psychoeducation contributes to the search for treatment by informing individuals that their suffering is the result of a treatable disorder rather than personal characteristics. Subsequently, it contributes to treatment adherence by communicating how it works and what results are expected. This contribution of psychoeducation to treatment adherence seems to reduce the symptoms of the disorder, i.e., the symptoms decrease because the individual is engaged in the treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that psychoeducation acts as a “gateway” for seeking treatment and treatment adherence, consequently decreasing symptoms.