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Group treatment assignment for outpatients with schizophrenia: Integrating recent clinical and research findings

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Abstract

Many mental health clinics rely heavily on group treatment in the outpatient care of individuals with schizophrenia. Groups are used because they economize clinician time and provide social interaction for isolated patients. Empirical evidence suggests that groups, combined with medication, are at least as effective as other common treatments. Many group formats and techniques have been used. Choices are often based on pragmatism or inclination, rather than theory or experiment. The authors review recent findings from research on the neurobiology of schizophrenia, its natural history, and the impact of psychosocial factors in its course and treatment. From these findings, they elaborate research based principles for outpatient group therapy in schizophrenia. They describe three distinct formats for group treatment, and delineate the scope of use for each. Finally, they propose guidelines for assignment of patients to appropriate group treatments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dartmouth Medical School, New Hampshire Hospital, 105 Pleasant St., 03301, Concord, NH

    E. Michael Kahn MD

  2. Psychotherapy and Consultation, PC, -9 Trafalgar Square, 03063, Nashua, NH

    Eleanor White Kahn PhD, RN

Authors
  1. E. Michael Kahn MD
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  2. Eleanor White Kahn PhD, RN
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Kahn, E.M., Kahn, E.W. Group treatment assignment for outpatients with schizophrenia: Integrating recent clinical and research findings. Community Ment Health J 28, 539–550 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754199

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