Don't Overlook Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia

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NEW YORK -- Psychotherapy still has a role in the treatment of schizophrenia, Dr. Martin S. Willick reported at a schizophrenia conference sponsored by Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Although it's true that medications are crucial to treatment, and studies comparing medication alone to psychotherapy alone show that medication is better, "that's not the same thing as saying that psychotherapy is of no value," Dr. Willick explained.

The combination of medication and psychotherapy gives patients the maximum response needed for effective treatment. And psychotherapy also can be helpful for encouraging patients to take their medication. …