title: Psychoeducation for psychotic patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Psychoeducation programs have been shown in the last two decades to significantly improve the post-hospital discharge care of individuals with schizophrenia by demonstrated effects on rehospitalization rates, compliance with medication and knowledge. The benefits of psychoeducation can be sustained for up to seven years although most studies have not shown such enduring benefit. Psychoeducation is a type of psychotherapeutic support that aims to provide broad and adequate information on psychotic disorders for both patients and their families.
  
  
  METHODS
  The purpose of the group psychoeducational program at the Psychiatric clinic in Olomouc is to familiarize patients with the core of the disorder, explain the part played by pharmacotherapy, teach recognition of the warning signs of relapse, to advise on communication problems within families, and finally the training of social skills.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients perceive the program as meaningful and helpful in better understanding their lives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic. prasko@fnol.cz
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prasko
authors.forename: Kristyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vrbova
authors.forename: Klara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Latalova
authors.forename: Barbora
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mainerova
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010359:Patient Readmission; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012944:Social Support