Psychological treatments for schizophrenia spectrum disorder: What is around the corner?

Abstract

SummaryThe evidence base for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, psychoeducation and cognitive remediation as adjuncts to antipsychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia is well established. It is, however, clear that the moderate effect size of the best researched of these treatments (CBT) compared with treatment as usual reduces to small when compared with an active psychological treatment. It would seem that many different psychosocial interventions de liver benefit in schizophrenia. We are now at a stage in their development when new treatments are being energetically piloted and combination treatments tested. This article outlines the most promising of these new interventions and attempts to answer the crucial question as to their differential effects on different psychotic presentations.Learning Objectives• Be aware of the most promising new psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia• Learn the key elements of each intervention• Understand which of these approaches might be best suited to particular presentations of schizophrenia spectrum disorder