Evidence-based treatment for schizophrenia

In recent years, considerable progress has occurred in aggregating the results of treatment outcomes research for schizophrenia into summaries of evidence-based practices. This has permitted research to assess the quality of care afforded persons with this disorder. The findings have been that although the evidence base for effective treatment of schizophrenia is substantial, most people do not receive evidence-based treatment. Optimally effective evidence-based treatment consists of combined pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatments. Future research must address the treatment of deficit symptoms and neurocognitive impairments, which account for much of the enduring disabling effects of this illness, and methods for ensuring that evidence-based treatments are disseminated and adopted into practice.