Schizophrenia treatment: content versus delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence supporting the importance of ensuring that patients with psychiatric disorders receive an optimal and appropriate level of non-pharmacological treatment, and how Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) may be able to contribute to this aim.


METHODS
Analysis of data from selected individual published studies on ACT, in addition to reviews from the Cochrane Library, and other study groups.


RESULTS
Treatment management using ACT appears to offer benefits in terms of reduction in hospitalisation, although there is some debate as to whether this is the most representative outcome measure. Preliminary indications using remission as an outcome measure have also shown promising results in favour of ACT.


CONCLUSIONS
While further investigation and validation are necessary, current data indicate that ACT may be an appropriate strategy to facilitate the delivery of treatment to patients with psychotic disorders.
van Os
J
J
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. mailto:j.vanos@sp.unimaas.nl
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019468:Disease Management; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents