Improvement of Socio-Occupational Function in Schizophrenia

Seok, Jeong Ho; Kim, Chan Hyung

Abstract

The goal of treatment for schizophrenia has been changed since the atypical antipsychotics have been introduced. In the past, control of psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia was the main issue in the treatment of schizophrenia. Recently, however, reintegration into society is the final goal of treatment for patients with schizophrenia and the definitions of remission and recovery are discussed among experts group and newly introduced. For this goal, the factors which affect social dysfunctions of schizophrenia have been explored and the intervention which have been known to be helpful for improvement of social dysfunction of the patients with schizophrenia have been suggested. In this article, recent findings about social dysfunction and treatment programs for social dysfunction of schizophrenia are reviewed and introduced. Cognitive dysfunction, partial or noncompliance to treatment, social stigma and discrimination are major factors contributing social dysfunction of the patients with schizophrenia. In this regard, cognitive enhancement therapy, long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic drugs, and psychosocial interventions which enhance treatment adherence and empower the patients in the society have been known to be helpful for social dysfunction of the patients with schizophrenia. Further biological and psychoscial studies and efforts should be made for achieving the final goal of treatment for schizophrenia-'reintegration into society'.