Developing an outcomes-oriented approach for the treatment of schizophrenia

The recent introduction of new antipsychotic medications has renewed hope and expectations that outcomes for persons with schizophrenia will improve and that more attention will be given to maximizing recovery rather than mere maintenance treatment. This article provides a framework for conceptualizing the complex range of outcomes relevant to long-term treatment of psychosis and provides some examples of the relationship of treatments to this outcomes framework. This framework can be used in developing better treatment programs.