Psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia

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Abstract
This paper reviews empirical studies published after 1982. One study confirms earlier disappointing results with regard to psychotherapy, whereas some studies indicate a positive effect for subgroups of patients. Psychoeducational family therapy decreases the short-term relapse of patients living with families with high “Expressed Emotions” (EE). Only continuous therapy demonstrated an effect after 2 years. Additional training in social skills reduces relapse for patients living with persistently high-EE families. Rehabilitation approaches seem to improve the long-term outcome. Across differences in theory and treatment strategies, useful interventions are characterized by their ability to provide nurturing relationships, protect against harmful factors, increase coping through teaching of skills, and be flexible and of long-term duration.