Abstract
Psychosocial Treatments for Schizophrenia: An Evaluation of Theoretically Divergent Treatment Paradigms, and Their Efficacy
Author(s): Cameron M. ClarkGeneral Purpose: This paper chronologically examines four theoretically divergent psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia, each intended to augment pharmacological treatment. The goal is to familiarize readers with a sample of well-established psychosocial treatments to provide an enhanced perspective on newer and future psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed. Methodology: Social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, and social cognitive training therapy paradigms were searched and the extant literature is summarized for each, with particular focus on: 1) the rationale for treatment methodology; 2) particular methods of treatment; and, 3) meta-analytic data regarding their efficacy and/or effectiveness. Results/Conclusions: Each of the four treatment methodologies discussed evinces particular strengths and specific weaknesses for clinical practice, with no clear superior methodology across all clinical populations/situations. Future research must continue to examine social cognitive treatments, as well as the effects of combined psychosocial treatments.