Effect of psychoeducation on psychopathological symptoms and medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia: A prospective cohort study

Introduction. Schizophrenia is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, characterized by positive symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations) and negative symptoms (including apathy and social withdrawal), as well as cognitive impairments. Treatment with medication alone is often insufficiently effective, highlighting the need for a psychotherapeutic approach, particularly through psychoeducational programs. These programs help patients understand their illness and enhance their motivation for treatment.Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and impact of psychoeducational programs in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia.Methods. The study involved 60 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, who were divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=30) received standard treatment combined with a psychoeducational program, while the control group (n=30) received only pharmacological treatment. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychopathological symptoms, and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) was utilized to evaluate treatment adherence.Results. After 6 months, the psychoeducation group (n = 30) demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in total PANSS scores compared with the control group (median change −6.0 vs. −2.0; U = 0.00, p < .001). Significant reductions were also observed in positive, negative, and general psychopathology symptoms (p < .001). Treatment adherence measured by MARS increased significantly more in the psychoeducation group (median change +3.0 vs. +1.0; U = 20.00, p < .001). Improvements in MARS scores were strongly inversely correlated with reductions in total PANSS scores (ρ = −.771, p < .001) and its positive (ρ = −.747), negative (ρ = −.795), and general psychopathology (ρ = −.774) subscales.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate that the PEP not only reduces the severity of psychopathological symptoms but also improves treatment motivation among patients with schizophrenia.