While medication may help relieve symptoms of schizophrenia, various psychosocial treatments can help with the behavioral, psychological, social, and occupational problems associated with the illness. Through therapy, patients also can learn to manage their symptoms, identify early warning signs of relapse, and develop a relapse prevention plan. Psychosocial therapies include:
- Rehabilitation, which focuses on social skills and job training to help people with schizophrenia function in the community and live as independently as possible.
- Cognitive remediation involves learning techniques to compensate for problems with information processing, often through drills, coaching and computer-based exercises, to strengthen specific mental skills involving attention, memory and planning/organization.
- Individual psychotherapy, which can help the person better understand his or her illness, and learn coping and problem-solving skills.
- Family therapy, which can help families deal more effectively with a loved one who has schizophrenia, enabling them to better help their loved one.
- Group therapy/support groups, which can provide continuing mutual support.