Development and preliminary evaluation of a structured online psychoeducation program for caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder

This study aimed to develop a structured, manualized online psychoeducation program for caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder and to conduct a pilot study examining its preliminary effects on caregiver burden, expressed emotion, and knowledge about bipolar disorder. It was expected that the program might contribute to enhancing caregivers’ knowledge about the bipolar disorder and potentially reducing caregiver burden as well as emotional responses toward the individual with diagnosis. Nine volunteers from the Turkish Bipolar Life Association applied for the study, eight participants attended the first session, and six participants completed 3-6 sessions. The Knowledge Scale on Bipolar Disorder, Perceived Family Burden Scale, and Level of Expressed Emotion Scale were used, along with Satisfaction Scale. While results showed an increase in knowledge level, and reductions in both caregiver burden and expressed emotion, these changes were not statistically significant. The findings were discussed in relation to existing research, highlighting both the potential and the limitations of the program. The study emphasizes the importance of further research into accessible, structured psychoeducation for caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder.