It has been known since the 1970 s that the prognosis for recurrence of schizophrenia is related to the emotional expression (EE) of the family. In other words, schizophrenia more frequently recurs in patients whose families exhibit critical attitudes or emotional over-involvement. Moreover, families with high emotional expression (high EE) are under highly stressful circumstances. To solve these problems, psychoeducation has been advocated as a method to help families better understand the illness. Many studies have reported that family psychoeducation lowers the family's EE and reduces the relapse rate of schizophrenia. Psychoeducation for psychiatric disorders has been broadened to several diseases, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, and its effects have been confirmed. As a result, not only the family members, but also the patients themselves are encouraged to undergo a psychoeducation program. Thus, psychoeducation can be widely applied and is an important means to support medical treatment of psychiatric disorders. As in the case of schizophrenia, previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between EE and the prognosis of depression, as well as the effects of psychoeducation on preventing the recurrence of depression. Considering the relationships between EE and the prognosis of recurrence, patients with depression are more vulnerable to critical attitudes compared with those with schizophrenia. In our study, we found that the prognosis of relapse improves when families or patients undergo psychoeducation. Other studies also support the effects of psychoeducation. We will also discuss the content to be taught and how to manage a psychoeducation program.
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