Effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation programme for Chinese patients with schizophrenia: 2-year follow-up

Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Jul;205(1):52-9. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.134635. Epub 2014 May 8.

Abstract

Background: Psychoeducation programmes for people with schizophrenia are shown to reduce relapses but few studies have indicated significant improvements in patients' illness awareness and insight, functioning, symptom severity or rates of readmission to hospital.

Aims: To examine the effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation programme for Chinese people with schizophrenia.

Method: A multisite randomised controlled trial was conducted with 107 out-patients with schizophrenia: 36 and 35 received a 6-month mindfulness-based psychoeducation and a conventional psychoeducation programme, respectively, and 35 received routine care alone. Patient outcome measures were psychiatric symptom severity, psychosocial functioning, social support, insight into illness/treatment, and frequency and duration of readmissions to hospital (ClinicalTrials.gov: trial registration NCT01667601).

Results: The mindfulness-based psychoeducation group reported significantly greater improvements in psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, insight into illness/treatment and duration of readmissions to hospital over 24 months when compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions: Mindfulness-based psychoeducation appears to be a promising approach to treatment for Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian People
  • Awareness
  • China
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness / methods*
  • Outpatients
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01667601