[The current status of psychotherapy research in schizophrenia]

After a preponderance of psychoanalytically orientated individual psychotherapy, family therapy dominated in recent years, in most cases of limited duration. Family therapy proved very helpful in unburdening relatives and deemotionalising familiar surroundings. Earlier studies demonstrated the significance of family therapy for relapse prevention, but controlled studies could not show that these methods were more effective than careful neuroleptic medication. Time-limited group psychotherapy was also criticised for lack of controlled studies. Though these modalities were shown to be effective in individual cases, long-lasting and relapse-preventing effects could not be shown. Psychological therapies lasting for only some months obviously overcharge patients in some cases and may occasionally even have counterproductive effects.