Authors of this systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of psychosocial and psychological interventions for preventing relapse in schizophrenia. The study included randomized controlled trials targeting relapse prevention in adults with schizophrenia, excluding acutely ill patients or those at risk for psychosis. The primary outcome was relapse, measured by operationalized criteria or psychiatric hospital admissions. A total of 85 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 72 studies and 10,364 participants in the network meta-analysis. The analysis focused on 20 psychological interventions, mainly as add-ons to antipsychotics, and their effects on relapse prevention.

The findings showed that family interventions, relapse prevention programs, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family psychoeducation, integrated interventions, and patient psychoeducation all significantly reduced relapse compared to treatment as usual at one year. This analysis suggested that family interventions, family psychoeducation, and CBT should be prioritized for long-term treatment in patients with schizophrenia due to their significant impact on reducing relapse risk.

Reference: Bighelli I, Rodolico A, García-Mieres H, et al. Psychosocial and psychological interventions for relapse prevention in schizophrenia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(11):969-980. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00243-1.