Psychosocial skills training for schizophrenia: Lessons from the laboratory

A large body of research supports the efficacy of psychosocial treatments f or schizophrenia, particularly learning-based therapies. The Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team recommended that cognitive-behavioral therap ies be used in schizophrenia, and skills training was included in the pract ice guideline for treating patients with schizophrenia published by the Ame rican Psychiatric Association. This article provides an updated review of e mpirical studies of psychosocial skills training, showing its value in trea ting patients with schizophrenia as well as its broader clinical effectiven ess. Data supporting the efficacy of psychosocial skills training continue to accumulate. Such programs should continue to be included in best practic es guidelines and treatment recommendations for schizophrenia. Future clini cal service research could be directed toward integration of skills trainin g with other psychosocial treatment methods.