The effect of a psycho‐educational programme on knowledge of illness, insight and attitudes towards medication

Abstract

This paper looks at the outcomes of a mental health education group for patients in a high secure setting. The effects measured included assessments of knowledge about schizophrenia and its treatments, insight into the illness, drug compliance and attitude, and self esteem. The results from the measures were broadly consistent with findings from previous studies in non‐forensic settings: notably, that patients were able to acquire knowledge about their illness and its treatment and also that psycho‐education could have a positive impact on their attitudes towards taking medication and their levels of insight.The study outlines the structure and content of the group sessions and the teaching methods used. It offers discussion on the findings and concludes with recommendations about high secure service issues that may have relevance for wider service settings.

Citation

Jennings, L., Harris, B., Gregoire, J., Merrin, J., Peyton, J. and Bray, L. (2002), "The effect of a psycho‐educational programme on knowledge of illness, insight and attitudes towards medication", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200200009