Psychoeducation for people with intellectual disabilities and anxiety or schizophrenic disorders

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of mental disorders in persons with an intellectual disability is 3-4 times higher than in the general population. Psychoeducation is an essential aspect to deal with mental disorders, to follow treatment, to reduce inpatient care and thus reduce costs in the health care system. German psychoeducation manuals for people with an intellectual disability and mental illness are still lacking. Aim of the work was to design concepts for psychoeducation for this target group. Methods: In the first step, a comprehensive literature search was conducted – there are only manuals for psychoeducation for patients without mental retardation. Secondly, established manuals for psychoeducation were used as the basis, they were adapted and modified in easy language, assisted by pictograms. Results: Two concepts for psychoeducation have been developed. They are designed as closed group programs and should be performed interactively. At the meetings, e.g. aspects such as drug-compliance as well as creation and use of an emergency plan are mediated. Aims are that patients learn that they can influence the course of the disease, that it is important to talk with other people about the disorder and to identify early warning signs. Conclusion: People with intellectual disabilities have a significantly increased risk of developing mental disorders. Two programs for psychoeducation in anxiety and schizophrenic disorders for people with mental retardation are available now. These programs may help to stabilize/ improve the state of health and to increase the quality of life of mentally disabled patients.