Including integrated psychological treatment as part of standard medical therapy for patients with schizophrenia: clinical outcomes

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2006 Jul;194(7):463-70. doi: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000225120.92431.29.

Abstract

To assess the clinical outcomes associated with the inclusion of Integrated Psychological Treatment (IPT) standard medical therapy in nine regular clinical settings, nine clinical teams integrated the complete IPT program (six hierarchically arranged subprograms) with their respective standard medical therapies for outpatients with schizophrenia. A total of 90 patients, young adults to long-term mentally ill patients, participated in the program. Patients were evaluated using standardized instruments at four time points: (1) prior to including the IPT program, (2) after the first three IPT subprograms, (3) at the end of IPT, and (4) 3 to 4 months post-IPT. The IPT program was associated with positive results. Patients improved in terms of overall symptoms, subjective experiences, cognitive and social functioning, and quality of life. IPT is one of the most up-to-date programs to address the rehabilitation needs of persons suffering from schizophrenia. Our experience in nine clinical settings suggests that IPT can successfully be included as part of standard medical therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / organization & administration
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / organization & administration
  • Quality of Life
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Social Adjustment
  • Treatment Outcome