Evidence-Based Psychosocial Practices and Recovery from Schizophrenia

Pessimistic views about the course and outcome of schizophrenia have been re-placed by a more hopeful perspective that emphasizes on providing opportunities for recovery. Recovery, from a provider perspective, means that priority is placed on providing access to treatments and community services that have been proven effective in both decreasing symptoms and assisting individuals to lead maximally productive and personally meaningful lives. In 2004, the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) published a consensus list of evidence-based practices (EBPs) that includes six psychosocial treatments. These psychosocial interventions in combination with access to pharmacotherapy are important components of comprehensive treatment programs for the seriously mentally ill. This paper summarizes and updates the research basis for the PORT psychosocial EBPs and discusses several additional issues and research topics to be considered in the future. Schizophrenia is a multifaceted disor-der in which biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors interact synergistically during all phases. Despite early pessimism about prospects for recovery, a growing body of evidence indicates that many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are capable of establishing meaningful lives and achievin