title: [Psycho-educational coping-oriented group therapy for schizophrenia patients].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-educational, coping-oriented therapy programme for patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Controlled, prospective study design. In the experimental group the Therapy Manual for Psycho-education and Coping with Illness (PKB) was used, providing targeted information on the illness, medical treatment, prodromal symptoms, and health behaviour. Controls participated in supportive dialogues or in an occupational rehabilitation programme. Psychopathology, re-hospitalisations, knowledge, functional outcome and coping strategies were assessed before, directly after and 12 months post therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  82 patients participated. In both groups (experimental, control) a significant improvement in psychopathology and general functioning level were observed. Specific advantages for patients of the experimental group were limited to a few aspects, including rehospitalizations in the first year and certain coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the treatment of schizophrenia different forms of psycho-social intervention (experimental, control) can be effective. Identification of subgroups profiting specially from certain types of intervention should be subject of future research.
authors.affiliation: Univ.-Klinik für Allgemeine Psychiatrie und Sozialpsychiatrie Innsbruck, Department für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck. Christina.Haller@uki.at
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haller
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Andres
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hofer
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hummer
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gutweniger
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kemmler
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pfammatter
authors.forename: Ullrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Meise
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult