The efficacy of Social Skills Training in fostering recovery from Schizophrenia

Abstract

Clinical researchers have recently emphasized focus on recovery from schizophrenia in treatment efficacy studies. This literature review provides an examination of the issue of recovery from schizophrenia and the extent to which social skills training (SST) fosters social recovery and complete recovery from schizophrenia. Social recovery involves improved social functioning with residential and economic independence, whereas complete recovery consists· of a return to premorbid functioning and absence of psychotic symptoms. Eleven SST studies published in the past decade were evaluated. SST appears to be effective in improving social skills, social functioning, positive symptomatology, and overall symptomatology. SST appears to foster the process of social recovery and complete recovery .