Short-term Social Skills Training in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Clinical Trial in an Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Background: Loss of social skills in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders affects their quality of life. Social skill training is an effective intervention to improve the patient’s function and quality of life. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of short-term social skills training on symptoms, quality of life, and global functioning in these patients in an outpatient setting in Iran. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, none in the acute phase and on antipsychotics, were recruited by convenience sampling. We used the global assessment of functioning scale, positive and negative syndrome scale, and the world health organization quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. The patients participated in 12 group sessions of social skill training. Immediately at the end of the intervention and 3 months later, reassessments were done. Results: The mean score of positive and negative symptoms and psychological domain of quality of life improved at the end of the intervention and three months later. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in three times of assessments. The mean score of GAF improved in all three assessments. Pairwise comparison between baseline and the end of the intervention, and also between the baseline and after three months of follow-up suggested a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Social skills training may reduce symptoms and promote global functioning in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, which was achieved after three months of follow-up. This intervention should be incorporated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program in aftercare services.