Explore the concept of psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia. Discuss the goals and effectiveness of these treatment programs

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Historically, a number of psychosocial treatments have been tried for schizophrenia, reflecting the belief that the disorder results from problems in adapting to the world because of early experiences. Many therapists have thought that individuals who could achieve insight into the presumed role of their personal histories could be safely led to deal with their current situations. Although clinicians who take a traditional psychodynamic or psychoanalytic approach to therapy continue to use this type of treatment, research suggests that their efforts at best may not be beneficial and at worst may be harmful.
Today, few believe that psychological factors cause people to have schizophrenia or that traditional psychotherapeutic approaches will cure them. Nevertheless, you will see that psychological methods have an important role. Despite the great promise of drug treatment, the problems with ineffectiveness, inconsistent use, and relapse suggest that by themselves, drugs may not be effective with many people. As with a number of the disorders discussed in this text, recent work in the area of psychosocial intervention has suggested the value of an approach that uses both kinds of treatment.
An environment was designed for inpatients that encouraged appropriate socialization, participation in group sessions, and self-care such as bed making while discouraging violent outbursts. An elaborate token economy was set up, in which residents could earn access to meals and small luxuries by behaving appropriately. A patient could, for example, buy cigarettes with the tokens he earned for keeping his room neat. On the other hand, a patient would be fined (lose tokens) for being disruptive or otherwise acting inappropriately. This incentive system was combined with a full schedule of daily activities. Patients who went through their program did better than others on social, self-care, and vocational skills, and more of them could be discharged from the hospital. Problems with social skills can be the most visible impairment displayed by people with schizophrenia and can prevent them from getting and keeping jobs and making friends. Clinicians attempt to re-teach social skills such as basic conversation, assertiveness, and relationship building to people with schizophrenia.