Therapeutic/symptom management

The aims of treatment are to:

• Reduce distress associated with psychosis symptoms
• Promote social and educational recovery
• Reduce depression and social anxiety
• Prevent relapse
• Reduce vulnerability and promote resilience
• Prevent poor physical health.

Psychological factors play an important role in schizophrenia so psychological interventions (cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and family interventions) should be used in conjunction with an oral antipsychotic, as this is the most effective treatment for first episode and subsequent acute episodes.

CBT assists in promoting recovery in people with persisting positive and negative symptoms and for people in remission. Family intervention should be offered to all families who live with or are in close contact with the patient, particularly patients who have recently relapsed, are at risk of relapse or have persisting symptoms.

Arts therapies should be offered to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly for the alleviation of negative symptoms.