Select a form of psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia and discuss its methodology and goals

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Psychoeducation is a process whereby patients and family members are educated about the disorder in order to reduce familial distress and equip them to work more effectively with the patient. This intervention is important given the research evidence suggesting that high EE is related to higher rates of hospitalization and relapse among people with schizophrenia.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) has been used to reduce or eliminate psychotic symptoms, although its use is not common. CBT consists of psychoeducation about psychosis and hallucinations, exploration of individual beliefs about hallucinations and delusions, education in using coping strategies to deal with symptoms, and improving self-esteem. CBT appears to be effective in reducing psychotic symptoms that remain even with the proper use of medication.
Social skills training focuses on the impaired social functioning of schizophrenics and its impact on social, occupational, and vocational functioning. This form of intervention teaches basic social skills and the basics of social interaction, including nonverbal skills such as eye contact, vocal tone, and voice volume, and verbal skills such as initiating and maintaining conversations, expressing feelings, and acting assertively. Social skills training has a long and successful history of improving the social functioning of people with schizophrenia.
Supported employment has been used to increase rates of gainful employment by schizophrenics. Schizophrenia often develops before a person has experience with adult work activities. Consequently, this treatment intervention attempts to provide these individuals with job skills. The program includes a rapid job search approach, individual job placements, follow-along support, and integration with the treatment team. Such programs help people with schizophrenia find and maintain competitive employment.