[Social skills training in severe mental illness]

To report about several approaches of social skills training and to evaluate the efficacy and key success factors in severely mentally ill adults.

Systematic electronic literature search for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and assessment of the evidence.

A variety of models for skills training have been designed and evaluated. In addition to the "basic" model and a "problem-solving" model of training there are complex programs consisting of several modules and specific approaches aimed to improve cognitive functioning or job related skills. Across all approaches, social skills training shows advantages in terms of raised social competence.

Social skills training should be offered as a targeted treatment taking into account individual patient characteristics, impairments and needs. It is essential to deliver skills training within a comprehensive care concept combined with other elements focusing on generalization into the community setting.