title: Toward an integrated approach to the treatment of schizophrenia.
abstract: Long-term outcome studies have shown that schizophrenia is an illness whose course is usually characterized by exacerbations and remissions. This chapter summarizes pertinent literature regarding treatment of acute episodes; early intervention to prevent the development of full relapse; and pharmacological, behavioral, and psychotherapeutic strategies designed to decrease the amount of stress and patients' vulnerability to stress and thus decrease the likelihood of relapse. An emphasis is placed on a comprehensive treatment approach involving continuity of care.
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents