[Experiences with an integrated psychological therapy program for training communication and cognitive abilities in the rehabilitation of severely ill chronic schizophrenic patients]

Abstract

A therapy study was conducted with 17 seriously chronically ill schizophrenic patients. Ten patients (Experimental Group) received a psychological therapy program of training in cognitive and communication/social skills (58 sessions of 60 min.). Seven further patients constituted a Control Group. Researched was the question of the potential for change of basic disorders respectively symptoms, and its effect on social behavior. In individual cases significant changes were recorded. As to the therapeutic effects, significant findings were obtained only conditionally. Implications and consequences are discussed in the résumé.