Developing an outcomes-oriented approach for the treatment of schizophrenia

The recent introduction of new antipsychotic medications has renewed hope a nd expectations that outcomes for persons with schizophrenia will improve a nd that more attention will be given to maximizing recovery rather than mer e maintenance treatment. This article provides a framework for conceptualiz ing the complex range of outcomes relevant to long-term treatment of psycho sis and provides some examples of the relationship of treatments to this ou tcomes framework. This framework can be used in developing better treatment programs.