Psychosocial interventions

The term ‘psychosocial interventions’ describes a wide range of treatments from various models of care. The range of supportive strategies allows flexibility and responsiveness to a person’s needs.

The basis of psychosocial interventions is the acknowledgement of the interrelationship between biological, psychological, environment and social aspects of a person’s health and wellbeing (Wright, 2015).

The term psychosocial interventions can be confusing, as it encompasses several interventions from many disciplines, including nursing, psychology and psychiatry.
The broad scope of therapeutic approaches and the underpinning principles of each intervention can be used to support people with diverse needs.

Psychosocial interventions are commonly associated with mental health difficulties, but they can also be used to support individuals struggling with their physical health (NHS Education for Scotland, 2014; Wright, 2015).

Psychosocial treatments are aimed at increasing a person’s abilities and resilience within their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Specific aims depend on the needs of the individual.

Examples of treatment outcomes include:

• gaining a better understanding of the patient’s health
• empowering the patient to develop skills to manage their health (self-management)
• improving the patient’s quality of life
• increasing resilience
• increasing problem-solving abilities
• increasing insight into own behaviour
• preventing and managing relapses
• growing and managing support resources (Gamble and Hart, 2003)

Some conditions that are often treated with psychosocial interventions include:

• anxiety
• depression
• schizophrenia
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• addiction
• dementia
• diabetes
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• chronic pain
• heart failure
• arthritis
• cancer (Rodin et al, 2007; Hunt et al, 2019)

Appropriate psychosocial interventions are identified through a holistic assessment, which considers a person’s:

• physical health and abilities – considers both short- and long-term conditions, the person’s current physical state and how they manage their health needs.
• social resources and capabilities – includes financial situation, supports (such as friends and family) and employment.
• psychological health and needs – considers stress management, resilience and/or ability to manage relapse (Wright, 2015).

In addition to assessing the individual patient, the evidence base surrounding their particular needs should also be considered to guide treatment (England et al, 2015).

Psychosocial interventions include:

• cognitive behavioural therapies (on a one-to-one basis or in a group)
• motivational interviewing
• interpersonal therapy
• psychoeducation
• peer-support groups (on a one-to-one basis or in a group)
• animal therapy
• counselling
• family therapy
• pain-coping skills
• relapse-management planning