Psychosocial Rehabilitation Interventions in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are chronic conditions with the early onset, higher relapse rate, and functional impairment that often persist despite optimum pharmacotherapy, underscoring the need for adjunctive psychosocial treatments and rehabilitation interventions. Evidence-based psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation interventions for both illnesses are adherence therapy, psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive remediation, social skills training, family education, vocational rehabilitation, case management, assertive community treatment, occupational/art therapy, and peer support. The efficacy of these interventions has been shown in many studies. Trials generally reveal that symptom reductions, relapse preventions, reduced hospitalizations, increased social functioning, increased employment rate, and satisfactory quality of life for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are possible by using these interventions adding to optimal pharmacotherapy. This review describes the psychosocial rehabilitation interventions that have been used successfully and extensively in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Keywords: Schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; psychosocial treatments; rehabilitation interventions.