Functional Recovery In Schizophrenia Research Articles

Modified assertive community treatment program for patients with schizophrenia: Effectiveness and perspectives of service consumers from a South Indian setting.

Schizophrenia is a disabling mental illness. Antipsychotic treatment in conjunction with comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation services is essential in promoting functional recovery. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based approach in promoting recovery in schizophrenia. The evidence for the effectiveness and feasibility of such community-based assertive interventions in low and middle-income countries is limited. To evaluate the effectiveness of modified assertive community treatment in a South Indian setting and evaluate the perspectives of patients and caregivers who participated in the program. Socio-demographic details, illness characteristics, course of the illness including the number of relapses and hospitalization, adherence level at baseline, the scores on the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), and Global disability score on Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) were compared before and after the initiation of the M-CAT program using retrospective file review. The perspectives of the clients were assessed using a 6-item questionnaire. Ten patients (six male and four female) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were under the Manipal Assertive Community Treatment (M-ACT) program for a median duration of 3 years (IQR 1.25) participated in the study. There was a significant improvement in the overall level of functioning, medication adherence, relapse rates, and disability after the enrolment into the program. The majority of the respondents had a positive attitude towards the M-ACT program. Assertive community interventions with suitable modifications for local resource-limited conditions may be an effective option in promoting functional recovery in Schizophrenia.

Toward recovery in schizophrenia: Current concepts, findings, and future research directions.

Schizophrenia was initially defined as "dementia praecox" by E. Kraepelin, which implies progressive deterioration. However, recent studies have revealed that early effective intervention may lead to social and functional recovery in schizophrenia. In this review, we provide an overview of current concepts in schizophrenia and pathophysiological hypotheses. In addition, we present recent findings from clinical and basic research on schizophrenia. Recent neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies have consistently revealed specific biological differences in the structure and function of the brain in those with schizophrenia. From a basic research perspective, to determine the essential pathophysiology underlying schizophrenia, it is crucial that findings from all lines of inquiry-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells from patients, murine models expressing genetic mutations identified in patients, and patient clinical data-be integrated to contextualize the analysis results. However, the findings remain insufficient to serve as a diagnostic tool or a biomarker for predicting schizophrenia-related outcomes. Collaborations to conduct clinical research based on the patients' and their families' values are just beginning, and further development is expected.

Prospective Memory Influences Social Functioning in People With First-Episode Schizophrenia: A Network Analysis and Longitudinal Study.

Background: Prospective memory (PM) impairment is associated with impaired social functioning, but evidence is limited to chronic schizophrenia samples and cross-sectional design. The aim of this study was to utilize network analysis to address the complex interplay between PM, psychopathology, and functional outcome.Methods: This longitudinal study recruited 119 people with first-episode DSM-IV schizophrenia and followed up with them for 2 to 6 years. PM and working memory were assessed at baseline (in 2010-2015) using valid computerized tasks and the Letter-Number Span Test, respectively. Psychopathology and social functioning were assessed at endpoint (in 2016-2017) using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), respectively. Network analysis examined the effect of baseline PM on SOFAS while accounting for the effects of psychopathology.Results: The resultant network showed that social functioning, PANSS positive symptoms, and PANSS general symptoms clustered together, whereas time-based and event-based PM and working memory formed another cluster. Time-based PM linked event-based PM and working memory with social functioning. Time-based PM (expected influence [EI] = 0.69), event-based PM (EI = 0.65), and working memory (EI = 0.83) demonstrated high values of expected influence, but social functioning (variance explained = 0.685) and PANSS negative (variance explained = 0.657) and general (variance explained = 0.583) subscales demonstrated high values of predictability.Conclusions: Time-based PM is the central node linking neurocognitive functions with social functioning. PM and working memory are "target" nodes for interventions bringing changes to the network, whereas social functioning and psychopathology are "malleable" nodes. PM and working memory are promising intervention targets for functional recovery in schizophrenia.

Functional Impairments and Theory of Mind Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of the Associations.

Schizophrenia is associated with major functioning difficulties. Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others, is an important determinant of functioning. However, the contribution of ToM to each specific domain of functioning remains to be better understood. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to document and compare the magnitude of the associations between ToM and (1) different domains of functioning (social functioning, productive activities, and instrumental activities of daily living), each assessed separately for functional performance and functional outcome and (2) different aspects of functioning (functional performance and functional outcome) in schizophrenia. Fifty-nine studies (N = 4369) published between 1980 and May 2019 targeting patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder aged between 18 and 65 years old were included. Studies were retrieved from seven databases. Correlations were extracted from the articles, transformed into effect sizes Zr and combined as weighted and unweighted means. The strength of the associations between the domains and aspects of functioning were compared using focused tests. A moderate association was observed between ToM and all domains of functioning, with a stronger association between ToM and productive activities compared with social functioning (only for functional outcome [χ2(2) = 6.43, P = 0.040]). Regarding the different aspects of functioning, a stronger association was observed between ToM and functional performance, compared with functional outcome, for overall functioning (χ2(1) = 13.77, P < 0.001) and social functioning (χ2(1) = 18.21, P < 0.001). The results highlight a stronger association of ToM with productive activities and with functional performance, which should be considered in future studies to improve functional recovery in schizophrenia.

M243. EFFECTIVENESS AND SATISFACTION WITH A SCHIZOPHRENIA RECOVERY DAY PROGRAM

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex disorder typically defined by the presence of positive symptoms that include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganisation in speech and behaviour, negative symptoms of avolition and social withdrawal, and a decline in functioning. Despite an ability to treat clinical symptoms, functional recovery in schizophrenia remains poor. The Recovery Day Program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre is a multi-disciplinary intervention tailored to help people living with schizophrenia attain recovery goals, lead more satisfying lives, engage in activities, develop a social network and assist in community reintegration. Eligibility criteria are: 18 years of age or older, meet DSM V criteria for Schizophrenia Spectrum illness, have clinical needs that cannot be met in the community, have housing, require intensive recovery support/integration into community, be able to engage in day hospital programming and develop recovery goals. Maximum number of day clients in Day Program is 20. Client admissions began in June 2016. As of November 2019, there have been 50 admissions with 29 discharges. Age range of clients was 20–60 years (mean 36.5). Clients were invited to provide feedback on their experience with the Day Program for program evaluation and improvement of service.MethodsA qualitative and quantitative evaluation of functional outcomes and patient satisfaction was conducted. Measures were administered at admission and discharge: The Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMRS), a custom-generated activity and goal attainment scale, Quality of Life Scale, The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, the Modified Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Scale. The Ontario Perception of Care Survey for Mental Health and Addictions (OPOC) was administered during a two month period from January 2019.ResultsDischarge results were available for 29 individuals out of 50 admissions. Clients identified goals in areas including vocational, social, educational, symptom management, optimizing independence, minimizing substance use, managing finances and stable housing; group and individual interventions targeted these areas. Interventions occur at the hospital and in the community. Results of the activity summary identify significant change in community integration in the following areas: employment (admission 5% and discharge 47%), unpaid/volunteer work (admission 11% and discharge 42%), course or study (admission 0% and discharge 32%), social/recreation/group activities (admission 63% and discharge 100%). Results show a significant increase in IMRS scores over time. Goal achievement was statistically significant according to the goal attainment scale (mean at intake 3.4 and at discharge 8.6). Results show that goal importance did not change over time.Open ended questions about day programming were added to the OPOC. Of 15 respondents, the average length of time in the Program was 16 months. Majority of respondents attended as much as they liked, while those unable to attend as much as they wanted, identified that increased attendance may have been helpful to achieving their goals.DiscussionOverall, clients were very satisfied with services provided. There were significant achievements in goal attainment over time with targeted interventions provided in functional domains including employment, unpaid/volunteer work, course of study and social/recreation activities. Our data suggest that a medium term, intensive day program increases functional outcomes and personal satisfaction for individuals with a Schizophrenia Spectrum disorder. Further study would be important to assess how these changes are sustained over time.

Cerebellar GABAergic correlates of cognition-mediated verbal fluency in physiology and schizophrenia.

Defective cerebellar GABAergic inhibitory control may participate to the cognitive impairments seen in SZ. We tested the prediction of a model for the relationship between cerebellar GABA concentration and the associative/executive processes required by verbal fluency in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and matched healthy controls (HC). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of GABA was performed using a 3 Tesla scanner and verbal fluency assessed by the Controlled Word (WFT) and Semantic (SFT) Fluency tests. Cerebellar GABA measurements were obtained using the MEGA-PRESS acquisition sequence. Linear correlations between cerebellar GABA levels and the WFT, SFT score were performed to test differences between correlation coefficients of SZ and HC. Quantile regressions between GABA levels and the WFT score were performed. Higher cerebellar GABA concentration was associated in SZ with lower phonemic fluency and reduced number of switches among subcategories as opposed to what observed in HC (with higher cerebellar GABA associated with higher number of words and phonemic switches). GABA levels explained phonemic fluency in SZ performing above the group mean. Studying cerebellar GABA provides a valid heuristic to explore the molecular mechanisms of SZ. This is crucial for developing pharmacological treatments to improve cognition and functional recovery in SZ.

Role of frontal white matter and corpus callosum on social function in schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia show severe impairment in social function and have difficulty in their daily social life. Although a recent large-scale multicenter study revealed alterations in white matter microstructures, the association between these anatomical changes and social dysfunction in schizophrenia remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association between the white matter integrity of regions of interest and social function in schizophrenia. A total of 149 patients with schizophrenia and 602 healthy comparison subjects (HCS) underwent DTI and completed the Picture Arrangement subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition and the Finance subscale of the University of California, San Diego, Performance-Based Skills Assessment Brief, as social indices of interest. The fractional anisotropy (FA) in the anterior corona radiata and corpus callosum was significantly lower in patients than in HCS, and the radial diffusivity (RD) in the anterior corona radiata and corpus callosum was significantly higher in patients. The Picture Arrangement and Finance scores were both significantly impaired in patients. The effect of the FA of the right anterior corona radiata on the Finance score and the Picture Arrangement score, of the RD of the right anterior corona radiata on the Picture Arrangement score, and of the RD of the corpus callosum on the Picture Arrangement score were significant. In conclusion, our results confirmed the association between structural connectivity in the right frontal white matter and corpus callosum and social function in schizophrenia. These findings may provide a foundation for developing an intervention for functional recovery in schizophrenia.

Difficulties in functional recovery in schizophrenia: negative and cognitive symptoms

Difficulties in functional recovery in schizophrenia: negative and cognitive symptoms

Test of Mindfulness-Based Psychosocial Skills Training to İmprove Insight and Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia.

This study was conducted with two groups (training and control) using a pretest/posttest design to determine the effect of mindfulness-based psychosocial skills training for improving insight and functional recovery levels in patients with schizophrenia. The study sample included 45 patients with schizophrenia (21 were in the training group/mindfulness-based psychosocial skills training and 24 were in the control group/standard drug medication). The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale, and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). The training group was divided into two groups of 10 to 12 persons on average. Training was given as a group training for a total of 16 sessions, two sessions a week for 8 weeks. The training group scored significantly higher in functional recovery and insight levels than the control group after training ( p < .05). The study determined training has an effect on increasing the levels of insight and functional recovery in schizophrenia.

Assessing cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia has existed as a distinct disorder for nearly a century, and, ever since this disorder was first described and studied, cognitive impairment has been recognized as a prominent feature. However, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia moved to the forefront of clinical and research attention in the latter half of the twentieth century. With the new movement toward functional recovery in schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunction has become an important treatment target. This shift in focus has been prompted by our evolving knowledge of brain changes associated with schizophrenia and by the mounting body of evidence indicating that cognition is closely related to functional outcome. Cognitive assessments can enhance the evaluation and treatment of all patients with schizophrenia, and clinicians may select from a variety of valid and reliable scales and assessment measures.

Predictors of vocational status in schizophrenia patients--Results from the Polish nationwide survey.

Background:Steady employment constitutes one of most important aspects of functional recovery in schizophrenia. Therefore, there is a need for understanding clinical and demographic factors predicting vocational status in schizophrenia.Methods:Clinical and demographic data of 1,010 schizophrenia patients were gathered from public outpatient clinics. We compared patients who maintained employment between the diagnosis time point and the day of assessment, with the patients who were employed in the diagnosis time point but were unemployed on the day of assessment with respect to clinical and demographic variables.Results:Lower educational attainment, lower-income region of residence, medical comorbidities (obesity, diabetes and hypertension), first hospitalization at inpatient unit in comparison with the day hospital, higher total number of hospitalizations and the number of inpatient hospitalizations were found to serve as predictors of unemployment throughout the course of schizophrenia. After application of Bonferroni correction and logistic binary regression analysis, lower educational attainment, higher number of inpatient hospitalizations and obesity predicted unemployment.Conclusion:Education, obesity and the number of inpatient hospitalizations seem to predict vocational outcome in schizophrenia. This study warrants further investigation of medical comorbidities in schizophrenia in terms of social consequences in order to indicate the direction of this relationship.

Daily activity patterns in remitted first-episode schizophrenia

BackgroundImpairment in community functioning is characteristic of many individuals with schizophrenia. Despite a wealth of literature documenting such functional impairments, how patients spend their time on a daily basis and the types of activities they engage in remains less clear. The present investigation set out to examine the daily activity patterns of remitted first-episode patients with schizophrenia. MethodsTwenty-eight first-episode schizophrenia patients in symptomatic remission and twenty-eight age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy comparison subjects participated in the present study. The Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) was employed to evaluate daily life activities, while the Social and Occupational Functional Assessment Scale was used to for assessment of community functioning. Psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, depressed mood using the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, and clinical insight using the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight. Neurocognition was also evaluated with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. ResultsFirst-episode schizophrenia patients experienced marked impairment in functioning, despite being in symptomatic remission. Patients and controls did not differ in the number of activities reported throughout their day. However, first-episode schizophrenia patients had significantly shorter days than comparison subjects and spent significantly less time engaged in non-passive (i.e., effortful) activities, which was related to poorer functional status. ConclusionsIndividuals with first-episode schizophrenia and in symptomatic remission demonstrate decreased levels of non-passive activities and poorer functional outcomes. A better understanding of the underlying factors is very likely critical to the development of strategies aimed at enhancing functional recovery in schizophrenia.

Remisión sintomática y recuperación funcional en pacientes que padecen esquizofrenia

Recientemente los conceptos de remisión sintomática y recuperación funcional en los pacientes que padecen esquizofrenia han recibido una considerable atención por parte de los clínicos y los investigadores. El interés en estos aspectos tiene que ver con la propuesta realizada en el 2005 por el “Grupo de trabajo para evaluar la remisión en esquizofrenia”, con el objetivo de proponer una definición de remisión sintomática, así como el desarrollo de criterios operacionales para su evaluación. La remisión sintomática se evalúa utilizando ocho reactivos de la escala PANSS, los cuales deben puntuar tres o menos, con una duración mínima de seis meses de remisión. En Europa, desde el 2006, también se han propuesto criterios para evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento, así como la remisión sintomática. La remisión se puede evaluar usando una fórmula para calcular el porcentaje de reducción de síntomas desde el inicio del tratamiento de acuerdo al PANSS. También se han desarrollado criterios para evaluar la recuperación funcional que incluyen la combinación de aspectos clínicos y psicosociales, que se deben mantener por lo menos por dos años consecutivos, incluyendo dimensiones como el funcionamiento psicosocial, el funcionamiento cognitivo y la calidad de vida. En el presente artículo se revisa la investigación respecto a los conceptos de remisión sintomática y recuperación funcional en los pacientes afectados por esta patología, incluyendo estudios clínicos, epidemiológicos, estudios de revisión y meta-análisis publicados entre enero de 1970 a julio de 2013. Se incluyeron 62 estudios sobre remisión sintomática-recuperación funcional, con un total de 94 940 pacientes, con un seguimiento de seis meses a 37 años. También se incluyeron 32 estudios de recuperación funcional, con un total de 6 483 pacientes, con un seguimiento de dos a 42 anos. Los resultados indican que entre el 20 y el 97% de los pacientes pueden lograr la remisión sintomática, mientras que entre el 10 y el 68% alcanzan la recuperación funcional. Se ha recomendado el uso de estos criterios en la práctica clínica y en la investigación científica.

Effects of single dose intranasal oxytocin on social cognition in schizophrenia

Deficits in social cognition are common in schizophrenia and predict poor community functioning. Given the current limitations of psychosocial treatments and the lack of pharmacological treatments for social cognitive deficits, the development of novel therapeutic agents could greatly enhance functional recovery in schizophrenia. This study evaluated whether a single dose of intranasal oxytocin acutely improves social cognitive functioning in schizophrenia. Twenty-three male veterans with schizophrenia completed baseline assessments of social cognition that were divided into lower-level (facial affect perception, social perception, detection of lies) and higher-level (detection of sarcasm and deception, empathy) processes. One week later, patients received the same battery after being randomized to a single dose of 40IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Though the groups did not differ significantly on the social cognition composite score, oxytocin improved performance for the higher-level social cognitive tasks (Cohen's d=1.0, p=0.045). Subjects were unable to accurately guess which treatment they had received. The improvements found in higher-level social cognition encourage further studies into the therapeutic potential of oxytocin in schizophrenia.

Self-reported empathy deficits are uniquely associated with poor functioning in schizophrenia

BackgroundSocial cognitive deficits have been proposed to be among the causes of poor functional outcome in schizophrenia. Empathy, or sharing and understanding the unique emotions and experiences of other people, is one of the key elements of social cognition, and prior studies suggest that empathic processes are impaired in schizophrenia. The current study examined whether impairments in self-reported empathy were associated with poor functioning, above and beyond the influences of neurocognitive deficits and psychopathology. MethodsIndividuals with schizophrenia (n=46) and healthy controls (n=37) completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a measure of emotional and cognitive empathy. Participants also completed a neuropsychological test battery, clinical ratings of psychopathology, and functional outcome measures assessing both functional capacity and community functioning. After testing for between-group differences, we assessed the relationships between self-reported empathy and the measures of functioning, neurocognition, and psychopathology. Regression analyses examined whether empathic variables predicted functional outcomes. ResultsIndividuals with schizophrenia reported lower IRI scores for perspective-taking and empathic concern, and higher IRI scores for personal distress than controls. Among individuals with schizophrenia, lower perspective-taking, greater disorganized symptoms, and deficits in working memory and episodic memory were correlated with poorer functional capacity and community functioning. Lower scores for perspective-taking explained significant incremental variance in both functional capacity (ΔR2=.09, p<.05) and community functioning (ΔR2=.152, p<.01) after accounting for relevant neurocognitive and psychopathological variables. ConclusionsImpaired perspective-taking, a component of cognitive empathy, is associated with poor functioning even after taking into account the influences of neurocognitive deficits and psychopathology. These findings support further efforts to clarify the underlying causes of empathic disturbances and suggest that treatments for these disturbances may help functional recovery in schizophrenia.

O-53 - Predictors of functional recovery in cognitive remediation therapy for schizophrenia patients

Objectives Functional impairments are an essential diagnostic feature of schizophrenia. Empirical evidence supports the relevance of social cognition, negative symptoms and functional capacity as mediators between neurocognition and functional recovery in schizophrenia. However, no study has assessed these variables at different measurement points in order to infer the temporal order postulated by the mediator model. Moreover, comparing resulting models of the treatment and control group could shed light on potential change mechanisms. Methods Data were collected in the context of an international RCT evaluating the Integrated Neurocognitive Therapy (INT). 169 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR participated in the study. The sample was analyzed separately for INT (n = 86) and TAU group (n = 83). We adopted a longitudinal design with three measurement points (baseline: neurocognition; after 3 months/after therapy: social cognition, negative symptoms and functional capacity; and after 1 year: functional recovery). Path analysis was first performed linking all variables in the model. Post hoc modifications were based on theory, model fit statistics and the statistical significance of each path. Results Social cognition, negative symptoms and functional capacity served as mediators between neurocognition and functional outcome in the INT group. All indirect paths were significant and resulted in a good model fit. This result could not be confirmed in the TAU group. Conclusions The results of this study provide further evidence for integrated treatments. Social cognition, negative symptoms as well as functional capacity seem to be viable targets to optimize current cognitive remediation therapy approaches.

FC19-05 - The importance of neurocognition, social cognition, negative symptoms and subjective process parameters for functional recovery in Schizophrenia

BackgroundA wealth of research supports the relevance of neuro-, social cognition and negative symptoms as treatment targets in schizophrenia. However, little is known about their interdependent relationships, their relative contribution to adequate functioning and quality of life as well as their associations with subjective, process oriented variables.MethodsData were collected in the context of an international RCT evaluating the Integrated Neurocognitive Therapy (INT) in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU). 169 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 or DSM-IV-TR participated in the study. We chose a longitudinal design.First, by the means of structural equation modeling (SEM) we tested social cognition and negative symptoms as mediators between neurocognition and functional outcome. Additionally, the relationships of these variables with subjective parameters (hope, psychological strain, helplessness, initiative, knowledge about the disorder, insight, self-efficacy) were assessed. Second, we analyzed the same mediators and subjective variables but used quality of life instead of the traditional functional outcome measures.Results1.Social cognition and negative symptoms both served as mediators between neurocognition and functional outcome. Some subjective variables (e.g. hope) were associated with negative symptoms and functional outcome.2.Cognitive functions had no significant predictive or mediating influence on quality of life. Instead subjective variables (hope, psychological strain, self-efficacy) and negative symptoms functioned as significant predictors and were strongly related to each other.ConclusionsThe results of the study provide further evidence for integrated treatments. Including relevant subjective variables seems promising to generalize therapy effects to quality of life.

Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia: Raising the Bar for Outcomes in People with Schizophrenia

This special issue focuses on the issue of functional recovery in schizophrenia. In line with the recent understanding that clinical remission can be defined, measured, and in some cases consistently achieved, attention has been focused on the fact that functional recovery may be possible as well. In contrast to the older Kraepelinian views of schizophrenia as having almost uniformly poor outcome, many current treatment strategies are aimed at reducing disability and improving functional outcomes. These treatments target disability directly with behavioral interventions and target its determinants with cognitive enhancement approaches. While documentation of efficacy is in early stages, these approaches include both pharmacological and remediation strategies. With the interest in promoting functional recovery comes the need to define and understand what functional recovery actually is. In some sense, we lack a basic terminology of functional recovery, a well-defined measurement strategy, evidence of milestones in improvements, and treatment strategies that are targeted at meaningful elements of recovery. This special issue provides some first steps in these areas. As we note in our article, Alan Bellack and I start by providing some tentative and heuristic definitions of functional remission and functional recovery. Other articles cover the assessment of functional disability and recovery, contributors to disability in the domains of awareness of illness and comorbidities, treatments aimed at functional recovery, and evidence from the treatment of first-episode patients that suggests that recovery is possible. Finally, we close with an opinion piece. Three highly educated and accomplished people with severe mental illness provide their perspectives on the different steps, stages, and features of different definitions of functional recovery. We hope that at the end of this issue, we have learned something new about recovery as a medical concept and recovery as a personal process. More importantly, I hope that we will promote discussion and stimulate research in the important area of functional recovery in schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia deserve a chance to recover; it is our goal and responsibility to get as close to that goal for as many people with schizophrenia as possible.

Psychosocial Treatments to Promote Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia

A number of psychosocial treatments are available for persons with schizophrenia that include social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, and social cognition training. These treatments are reviewed and discussed in terms of how they address key components of functional recovery such as symptom stability, independent living, work functioning, and social functioning. We also review findings on the interaction between pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and discuss future directions in pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia. Overall, these treatments provide a range of promising approaches to helping patients achieve better outcomes far beyond symptom stabilization.

Toward a Terminology for Functional Recovery in Schizophrenia: Is Functional Remission a Viable Concept?

Recovery in schizophrenia is receiving increasing attention. Part of the increased focus is based on the recent working criteria for clinical remission in schizophrenia and the realization that many people with schizophrenia meet these criteria for remission. In this article, we consider whether functional disability can also be evaluated in a "remission" model. In so doing, we evaluate the concept of clinical remission, evaluate the possibility of remission of other generally stable features of schizophrenia such as negative symptoms, and make some heuristic terminological recommendations. We also propose a "level and breadth" model for the definition of functional remission and examine some of the alternate influences that could produce suboptimal everyday functioning, including effort, motivation, and societal barriers toward functional achievement.