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Research Highlights
Psychotherapy Helps Older Schizophrenia Patients
March 29, 2005
Middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia showed social and cognitive improvements after six
months of specialized psychotherapy, reported VA researchers and colleagues. Their study is believed
to be the first to test psychotherapy designed especially for older patients with the disease. The
researchers used a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and social skills training, and
customized the therapy to address issues common among aging patients, such as memory loss,
disability, and low confidence in their ability to learn new skills. The study included 76 patients, ages
42 to 74, half of whom received the special psychotherapy. All remained on their antipsychotic
medications, which usually help psychiatric symptoms but do not adequately improve social
functioning. After six months, those receiving the psychotherapy were more likely to engage in social
activities and demonstrated better coping skills and more rational thinking, compared to the group
receiving only medication. (American Journal of Psychiatry, 3/05)
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