Psychotherapy with schizophrenics requires relevant training

Secondary sources continue to cite a one-page preliminary note about the Michigan State Psychotherapy Project, ignoring fuller reports in print. Relevant experience and training are critical to quality control of psychotherapy in schizophrenia research. This investigation is unique in that "experienced" meant that the therapist had worked over 10 years specifically with schizophrenics, poor patients, and black patients. These relevantly experienced therapists supervised inexperienced therapists. Evaluations were "blind," and thought disorder was objectively measured. Psychotherapy produced better overall functioning, less thought disorder, and shorter hospitalization, particularly in the long run, than medication. Adjunctive medication facilitated behavioral control, but slowed change in the thought disorder.