Contemporary psychosocial treatment of psychosis--not simple, but many opportunities.
BACKGROUND
The range of needs of people experiencing schizophrenia or other psychotic illnesses is great, this however provides those treating them with many opportunities for effective intervention. Psychotic medications, while often providing significant benefit, are not the complete answer for patients with psychotic illness.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines approaches to building and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with a patient with psychosis, provides a guide to assessment to assist in treatment planning, identifies some current trends in psychological treatments to augment medication, and examines family support requirements.


CONCLUSIONS
To maximise patient outcomes in relation to symptom remission, psychological adjustment and return to premorbid functioning, a range of interventions over a period of time may be required. Central to recovery from psychosis may be the support and guidance of a primary care physician who can recruit the assistance of a range of professionals in a timely manner.
Foulds
Margaret
M
Acute Program, Alfred Psychiatry, Melbourne, Victoria. m.foulds@alfred.org.au
D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*