Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics

Psychosocial therapy is one of the treatment modes for schizophrenia. It involves educating the people regarding the illness and its management skills, talk therapy and vocational counseling. Several studies have proved the effectiveness of psychosocial therapy in dealing with communication, work, self-care, maintenance of relationships and motivation difficulties in the affected person. But this must assist the schizophrenic people under medication to deal with its symptoms.

With the help of this therapy, patients can easily cope with their daily activities. They can behave as normal people. Such people stick to medication schedules correctly and hence experience less number of attacks. Constant positive relationship with the doctor is essential for proper recovery. By clearly detailing the nature, causes, need for medication for schizophrenia, and the doctor can assist the patients better.

Specific psychosocial therapy includes:

Illness Management Skills

Schizophrenic people must actively participate to manage their illness. If they are aware of the nature, cause and principles of treatment, they will be ready to take better decisions. If such people are taught the ways to cope with the early symptoms, relapses can easily be prevented by planning the way to respond to it. Then they can additionally be taught the ways to cope with persistent symptoms.

Integrated Schizophrenic Treatment for Co-occurring Substance Abuse
Substance abuse tends to be commonly co-occurring in schizophrenic people. But the ordinary treatment programs for substance abuse are not effective in such people. Integration of schizophrenia treatment and abuse treatment programs will lead to better results.

Rehabilitation

This highlights the social, vocational training for schizophrenic people to behave normally in the community. Owing to their frequent illnesses during the critical period of life (18-35 years of age), and interference with normal functioning of the people, patients lack the training needed for work. Rehabilitation programs like Job training, Vocational counseling, Money management, Family Education, and lessons how to behave in public transportation and the community are very useful for schizophrenic people.

Patients spend most of their time with their family, and hence the family members need to take special care. Even the family members must be aware of the illness and the best treatment programs so that they can adhere to it effectively to prevent more relapses for their loved ones.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is required for patients where symptoms continue even when under medication. The therapist teaches schizophrenic people ways to:

• Test the authenticity of the patients’ perceptions and thoughts
• "Not listen" to the imaginary voices
• Overcome the indifference.

This treatment is effective in lowering the severity of symptoms and the number of relapses.

Self-Help Groups

Self-help groups for schizophrenic people and their families have grown in the recent years. Without the involvement of professional therapists, the group members themselves contribute to mutual support to each other. Such group members are aware that everyone there is facing similar problems and hence they will not feel alone and awkward even when in a group. This enhances their relationships and hence this boosts up their motivation levels. Support and advocacy groups tend to be the best sources of treatment for people who are mentally disturbed.