Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are severe mental health conditions marked by cognitive impairments, poor functional outcomes, reduced quality of life, high internalized stigma, and low life engagement. While antipsychotic medications effectively manage positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, they are less effective for negative symptoms such as reduced motivation, social withdrawal, and diminished emotional expression. These negative symptoms are central to SSD, leading to long-term disability and poor outcomes.

To address the unmet needs of negative symptoms, psychosocial interventions are crucial alongside pharmacological treatments. Evidence-based approaches like cognitive remediation, metacognitive training, social skills training, family interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis have consistently improved clinical and functional outcomes. These interventions are recommended in many guidelines and are vital for creating personalized treatment plans for individuals with SSD. However, their implementation is limited, especially in low and middle income countries.

Reference: Barlati S, Nibbio G, Vita A. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions in schizophrenia: a critical review. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2024;37(3):131-139. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000925.