Psychosocial skills training for schizophrenia: lessons from the laboratory.
A large body of research supports the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia, particularly learning-based therapies. The Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team recommended that cognitive-behavioral therapies be used in schizophrenia, and skills training was included in the practice guideline for treating patients with schizophrenia published by the American Psychiatric Association. This article provides an updated review of empirical studies of psychosocial skills training, showing its value in treating patients with schizophrenia as well as its broader clinical effectiveness. Data supporting the efficacy of psychosocial skills training continue to accumulate. Such programs should continue to be included in best practices guidelines and treatment recommendations for schizophrenia. Future clinical service research could be directed toward integration of skills training with other psychosocial treatment methods.
Heinssen
R K
RK
Adherence and Behavior Change Research Program, Division of Mental Disorders, Behavioral Research, and AIDS, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9615, USA. rheinsse@mail.nih.gov
Liberman
R P
RP
Kopelowicz
A
A
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome