Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation involves educating the patient and their family, carers or significant others about:

• the psychotic disorder, including:
  • cause and symptoms
  • characteristic early symptoms and signs of relapse
  • strategies to prevent relapse
  • treatment (including advice about the importance of antipsychotic therapy and monitoring for, preventing and addressing antipsychotic adverse effects)
• the mental healthcare system including roles of healthcare professionals and the relevant mental health legislation
• the importance of maintaining physical heath.

Psychoeducation is usually provided over a number of sessions, either in a group format or one-to-one.