THE PSYCHOSIS PROJECT - OUTCOME AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF A PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR SCHIZOPHRENIC ADOLESCENTS

The outcome of a psychoeducational treatment programme for very early- onset schizophrenics was compared with a standard reference treatment. The study sample consisted of 12 patients in each group. Clinical out come was assessed by relapses during the 2-year treatment period and c hanges in psychosocial functioning as measured by the Global Assessmen t Scale. A cost-effectiveness analysis was also carried out. The resul ts indicated that the most effective programme measured by relapse was also the cheapest: the psychoeducational programme. Patients with poo r premorbid psychosocial functioning benefit most from this treatment. Decisive with respect to how effective the programme can be is the co operativeness of patients' parents and their ability to change their e motional attitudes toward the patient.