Psychotherapy for schizophrenia: a review of modalities and their evidence base

We reviewed the techniques and evidence base of four psychotherapeutic adjuncts to the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: Personal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive enhancement therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. While there is a significant evidence base for the first three of these modalities, there is a paucity of research on psychodynamic treatments for schizophrenia. We review the history of psychodynamic treatment for schizophrenia and the ways in which it informs current treatment. In light of the limited efficacy of antipsychotic medications in the treatment of schizophrenic persons, there is increasing interest in the role of social and psychological approaches.