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In-person, online psycho-education programs effective in children with mood disorders
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NEW YORK — In-person or online psycho-education for children diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder was successful in educating both the patients and their parents on the disorder. In some cases, the program improved disorder symptoms to a point where no additional treatment was necessary, according to data presented by Archana Patel, MD, during the “Technology and Psychiatric Treatment” session here at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.
While on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist, families of children referred to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, were given the choice to participate in six sessions of an online (n=13) or live psycho-education program (n=14) consisting of worksheets, interactive activities and information on specific topics, according to the abstract.
Patel, of the department of psychiatry at Queen’s University, and colleagues used the Expressed Emotion Adjective Checklist, Understanding of Mood Disorders Questionnaire, and Understanding of Anxiety Disorders Questionnaire to assess parents before and after the program. Children were assessed using the Children’s Depression Inventory and Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children.
The researchers reported both the online and live psycho-education programs were effective; participants’ knowledge of mood and anxiety disorders increased, and further treatment was unnecessary in some participants from both groups.
“Addressing the whole family is especially important,” Patel said during her presentation. “Psycho-education programs are effective in increasing knowledge, providing resources and support for families and building on skills to handle mood swings and disordered thinking.”
For more information:
Khalid-Khan S. Abstract #6494. Presented at: American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting; May 3-7, 2014; New York.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.