A randomized, controlled trial of a brief interventional package for schizophrenic out-patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact on outcome of a simple educational intervention in schizophrenic patients at risk of relapse.


METHODS
At discharge, 114 schizophrenic patients with at least one previous episode were assigned randomly to a simple educational intervention which had no resource implications, or standard care.


RESULTS
The intervention failed to improve outcome. While insight and treatment attitudes improved, suicidal ideation increased. Systematic management of treatment-emergent adverse effects offered no benefits, although incapacitation from extrapyramidal side-effects at discharge predicted relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
There are limits to which psychoeducational interventions can be simplified without loss of effectiveness in terms of relapse prevention in schizophrenia. Enhanced insight may be associated with increased suicidal ideation.
Cunningham Owens
D G
DG
Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, UK.
Carroll
A
A
Fattah
S
S
Clyde
Z
Z
Coffey
I
I
Johnstone
E C
EC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents