TITLE
New Approach Advised to Treat Schizophrenia
DESCRIPTION
In a significant new research study on recovery from a first epicode of schizophrenia, the subjects were given an alternative treatment program that emphasized lower doses of antipsychotic medication, social supports, and talk therapy. “First, help with work or school such as assistance in deciding which classes or opportunities are most appropriate, given a person’s symptoms. Second, education for family members to increase their understanding of the disorder. And finally, one-on-one talk therapy in which the person with the diagnosis learns tools to build social relationships, reduce substance use and help manage the symptoms, which include mood problems as well as hallucinations and delusions.” The results of the study concluded that this alternative treatment program (as compared to antipsychotic drugs alone) have better treatment outcomes.
SOURCE
New York Times, October 20, 2015, by Benedict Carey
Original Source:
Kane, J.M., and others, (2015) Comprehensive Versus Usual Community Care for First-Episode Psychosis: 2-Year Outcomes From the NIMH RAISE Early Treatment Program, American Journal of Psychiatry, (announced but not as yet published)
LINK TO RESOURCE
(shortened URL) http://tinyurl.com/q8a6ld5
Original: http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15050632
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is schizophrenia? What are the symptoms?
•What are the antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia? What are the negative side effects?
•What are the alternatives as described by the research program?
•How is treatment outcome for schizophrenics measured?
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