Psychoeducational group and bipolar affective disorder: a reflection on the asylum and psychosocial models

Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD), known by its chronicity, complexity and high rates of morbidity and mortality, is one of the main causes of disability in the world. There is growing evidence that its path can be changed by psychotherapy approaches, such as psychoeducation, which improves one's social and occupational behavior and capacity to deal with stressful situations. This study is an experience report about a psychoeducational group for individuals with BAD and their relatives, which consisted on reflecting upon the components of the mental health practice paradigm. Reflecting upon the psychosocial and asylum ways regarding the conceptions of object and mode of work permitted to locate the group in a psychosocial manner, as knowledge and experience favor the autonomy of the individuals, who have more chances to face the difficulties that occur in their suffering-existence process.