Differential therapy effects of psychoeducational psychotherapy for schizophrenic patients - results of a-year follow-up

There is increasing evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of psychosoc ial interventions in schizophrenic patients. However, little research has b een done on differential therapy effects. In a prospective, randomized clin ical trial we carried out psychoeducational medication management training, cognitive psychotherapy, and key-person counseling. The patients of the co ntrol group participated in structured free-rime activities for control of therapeutic commitment. Data from a total of 156 schizophrenic patients (DS M-III-R, no first-admissions) were available at 2-year follow-up, We analyz ed in this study whether there are differential therapy effects of these in terventions, depending on patient characteristics at baseline. There was a significant statistical interaction between treatment condition (specific/n on-specific) and prognosis with respect to treatment outcome. Patients with a favorable prognosis and better social functioning had a better course un der the specific treatment but a less favorable outcome in the non-specific ally treated control group. These results suggest that more vulnerable pati ents are not sufficiently capable of learning and using coping strategies f or relapse prevention. We need to learn more about differential indications for psychosocial treatment.