[Participation is the foundation of successful treatment of psychotic disorders]

Schizophrenia is among the most severe psychiatric disorders, but due to extensive research we now have evidence-based interventions that may enable these patients to live a fairly normal life.  Every decision regarding the choice of intervention or treatment should be made according to a shared decision making, meaning that the patient and Case Manager are equal parties and equally responsible for the choice. The individual coordinated care plan prepared in agreement by the patient and Case Manager should be the governing principle for the rehabilitation process. Antipsychotic medication is a prerequisite for any rehabilitation but should typically be combined with psychosocial intervention for an optimal outcome. In order to properly judge treatment response, symptom ratings should be combined with global ratings to take into account aspects that are not accounted for in symptom rating scales. If the effect of an antipsychotic medication is inadequate, a psychosocial intervention may be considered as an alternative to increasing the dosage or adding another antipsychotic medication to minimize side effects. One of the most important rehabilitating interventions is supported employment with individual placement and support.