The effect of psychoeducation program on patients with major depressive disorder at the psychiatric outpatient unit, Siriraj Hospital

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of psychoeducation program on depression, knowledge of MDD, medication adherence, loss follow up rate in the first 3 months and compare loss follow up rate in the first 3 months with regular care. This research was a Prospective (cohort) study with historical cohort between 110 patients with MDD in 2019 and 110 patients with MDD in 2021. The psychoeducation program was applied as four sessions. The contents of the treatment included: (1) establishing relationship and assessment (2) knowledge of MDD (3) thinking management (4) warming signs and symptoms for depressive management. The study instruments included the the demographic data questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pre-test and post-test of knowledge of MDD, the assessment of medication adherence and loss follow up rate in the first 3 months were conducted at the completion of the program by phone and at 1 month and 3 months follow up. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, Chi-squared test and Wilcoxon signed Ranks test.

The results revealed that subjects of the patient group 2021 had highly medication adherence (Mean 6.57), knowledge of MDD there was a statistically significant improvement at p <.01. The loss follow up rate in the first 3 months had 9% when compare with the patient group 2019, received standardized treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement at p <.01. The conclusion included psychoeducation program on depressed patients with major depress disorder could be promote self-care behaviors and improve symptoms. There also had reduced loss follow up rate in the first 3 months.