A randomized controlled trial of social skills training for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia with predominantly negative symptoms

Author(s):Show less -

Kayo, Monica ^[1] ; Scemes, Silvia ^[1] ; Savoia, Mariangela Gentil ^[1] ; Bichuette, Alice ^[1] ; Abreu, Ana Claudia ^[1] ; dA Silva, Emily Pereira ^[1] ; Baria, Patricia ^[1] ; Piovaccari, Victoria ^[1] ; Petreche, Beatriz ^[2] ; Bressan, Rodrigo Affonseca ^[2] ; Gadelha, Ary ^[2] ; Elkis, Helio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Hosp Clin HCFMUSP, Fac Med, Dept & Inst Psiquiatria, Rua Dr Ovidio Pires Campos 785, 3rd Floor, BR-05403010 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psychiat, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH; v. 287, MAY 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of social skills training (SST) in improving negative symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia with predominantly negative symptoms. Patients were randomized to receive SST (n = 29) or to a control group (n = 33), in a 20-week program with weekly group sessions. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-treatment (20 weeks) and 6-month follow-up with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. There was no significant improvement in the negative symptoms in either group, at any timepoint. Caution is warranted to interpret the results due to small sample size. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/13934-6 - Evaluation of social skills training in reducing negative symptoms in patients with refractory schizophrenia
• Grantee: Helio Elkis
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants