A randomized, controlled trial of a brief interventional package for schizophrenic out-patients

Objective: To evaluate the impact on outcome of a simple educational interv ention in schizophrenic patients at risk of relapse. Method: At discharge, 114 schizophrenic patients with at least one previous episode were assigned randomly to a simple educational intervention which had no resource implications, or standard care. Results: The intervention failed to improve outcome. While insight and trea tment attitudes improved, suicidal ideation increased. Systematic managemen t of treatment-emergent adverse effects offered no benefits, although incap acitation from extrapyramidal side-effects at discharge predicted relapse. Conclusion: There are limits to which psychoeducational interventions can b e simplified without loss of effectiveness in terms of relapse prevention i n schizophrenia. Enhanced insight may be associated with increased suicidal ideation.