PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Background: The object of this study is to develop and evaluate a psychoeducational programme that has been specifically designed for in-patients who suffer from heterogenous anxiety disorders. Method: 28 in-patients participated in psychoeducational group sessions in addition to psychiatric treatment as usual (TAU). This group was compared to a group of 13 patients who had received TAU without the group sessions. Using a pre-post design, the two groups were compared in terms of illness knowledge, mental health and self-efficacy. Results: Analysis of the results showed a significant increase in knowledge of anxiety among participants of the psychoeducational group (d=0.80). The effect sizes from 0.12 - 0.60 indicate clinical relevant improvement in depressive and anxiety symptoms, and a tendency towards improved self-efficacy (d = 0.20). Conclusions: The main objective of the group programme was achieved; that is, it increased illness knowledge. Despite the short measurement period, the importance of the psychoeducational group programme in the treatment of acute inpatients was confirmed.