Group Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training for Older Outpatients With Chronic Schizophrenia

Abstract

The number of older patients with schizophrenia is increasing rapidly. There is significant need for empirically validated psychotherapy interventions for these patients. Cognitive-behavioral and social skills training interventions have been shown to improve outcomes for younger patients with schizophrenia, but have not been studied in older patients. This article describes a group intervention for older patients with schizophrenia, cognitive-behavioral social skills training (CBSST), which we are currently studying in a randomized controlled clinical trial. CBSST teaches cognitive-behavioral coping techniques, social functioning skills, problem solving, and compensatory aids for neurocognitive impairments. We highlight special issues and specific techniques relevant to working with older patients, and discuss the costs and benefits of using a group rather than individual approach with this population. To illustrate the approach, two case examples with outcome data are presented.