CURRENT STATUS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY-RESEARCH FOR SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

After a preponderance of psychoanalytically orientated individual psyc hotherapy, family therapy dominated in recent years, in most cases of limited duration. Family therapy proved very helpful in unburdening re latives and deemotionalising familiar surroundings. Earlier studies de monstrated the significance of family therapy for relapse prevention, but controlled studies could not show that these methods were more eff ective than careful neuroleptic medication. Time-limited group psychot herapy was also criticised for lack of controlled studies. Though thes e modalities were shown to be effective in individual cases, long-last ing and relapse-preventing effects could not be shown. Psychological t herapies lasting for only some months obviously overcharge patients in some cases and may occasionally even have counterproductive effects. Psychotherapeutic modalities consisting of long-term individual therap y and additional cognitive or behaviour therapy in combination with in dividually dosed neuroleptic medication seemed to be more effective. I mprovement of psychopathology and behaviour modifications may be achie ved as well as a reduction of relapses in re-hospitalisation. Long-ter m psychotherapy is necessary to alleviate underlying vulnerability, to improve self-confidence, coping with illness, and compliance. The res ults of recent studies on this issue are presented and therapeutically effective features are discussed.