[Psychoeducation in schizophrenic disorders--psychotherapy or "infiltration"?]

Assumptions and applications of psychoeducational group treatment are critically reviewed, taking into account recent research and examining exemplarily the concept and procedures of the Arbeitsbuch PsychoEdukation bei Schizophrenie (APES) by Bäuml et al. Further, the impact of the concept of illness and perception of man on psychiatric care and therapeutic relationships are discussed.

The assertions and rationale of psychoeducation are compared to its implementation in treatment and are related to the practice of care.

Contrary to its goals, such as self competence and the ability to cope with crises, psychoeducation focuses on the neurobiological principles of dopaminergic dysfunction. Within a deficit model of psychiatric illness, individuals learn to accept the "stroke of fate of psychosis". Their contribution to recovery is basically reduced to improved medication compliance.

Psychoeducation in the form of compliance training is not psychotherapy. Without involvement of family members it is also not very effective. A collaboration with health care professionals requires patients' self competence and the proper utilization of resources.