|
|
Psychotherapy by itself is not effective in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, individual and group counseling can provide those who suffer from the disease and their families important support, skill building, and friendship. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the patient about the illness and helping him or her resume usual activities and responsibilities. Research shows that patients who stick with their medications, have families who are educated about the illness, and who get psychosocial rehabilitation have the best long-term recoveries.
The kind of outpatient care needed depends on how well patients have responded to treatment and how reliable they are in taking medications. Often, medication visits are scheduled monthly. Vocational rehabilitation is important for stable patients who need help with resuming gainful employment. For patients who don’t take their medication regularly, more active interventions are likely to be needed to be sure the patient takes medications. For patients whose symptoms continue despite the best treatment, residential treatment or at least frequent attendance at the day hospital may be needed.
Information from Breakthroughs in Antipsychotic Medications