Advances in the psychological management of positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Abstract

A proportion of patients who suffer from schizophrenia exhibit persistent psychotic symptoms in spite of the prescription of neuroleptic medication. Two aspects of the management of persistent positive symptoms are described. These are recent developments in the psychological management of such symptoms together with a summary of factors which might be related to the outcome of such interventions. A brief review of factors associated with medication non-compliance and interventions aimed at reducing such non-compliance is also included. Ongoing research suggests that these recent developments show promise in enhancing the outcome in this patient group, particularly if the techniques can be disseminated throughout services.