BASIC ELEMENTS IN BIOBEHAVIORAL TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

The psychopathology and associated disabilities experienced by persons with schizophrenia have only partially responded to conventional phar macological and psychosocial treatment approaches. Biobehavioral thera py employs behavioral and symptomatic assessment, social learning prin ciples, and skills training, to amplify the effects of pharmacotherapy . Comprehensive, continuous, and integrated biobehavioral therapy-aimi ng at early detection and treatment of schizophrenic symptoms, family and social skills training, and teaching coping and illness self-manag ement skills-has been documented to improve the course and outcome of schizophrenia as measured by symptom recurrence, social functioning, a nd quality of life, Biobehavioral therapies must be delivered in the c ontext of a collaborative relationship among patients, families and cl inicians that together can optimize outcomes. Services need to be prov ided by assertive, outreach, community-based teams that tailor the typ e, frequency and scope of services to the phase of the individual's il lness.