Revised PORT Recommendations

Abstract

The updated Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) recommendations (Lehman et al. 2004) represent an excellent, well-reasoned, and appropriately cautious synthesis of the available evidence on treatments for schizophrenia. Importantly, the authors caution against biological reductionism, by which they mean neglect of psychological and social issues that affect individuals with schizophrenia and their families. They stress the need to develop and test new modalities that may facilitate the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia. They point out the critical need for better access to mental health services and better integration of mental health, general health, and social services. They call for continued research on available treatments. We agree with all of these points.