Effects of Integrated Psychological Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients

Lee, Man Hong; Lee, Hee Sang; Cho, Hyun Sang; Hyun, Myoung Ho; An, Suk Kyoon; Yoo, Sang Woo; Han, Seung Jin; Park, Jee Hwan; Hyun, Yong Ho; Koo, Min Seong; Sohn, Seok Han; Kim, Se Joo; Lee, Hyun Ju; Park, So Rah; Song, Seon Mi; An, Hye Ry; Choi, Jung Ah; Namkoong, Kee; Yoo, Kae Joon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study, as a preliminary one attempting to develop the Korean version of Integrated Therapy for the rehabilitation of schizophrenic patients, was designed to investigate the results of Integrated Psychological Therapy(IPT) and review the problems during the program application.
METHODS
Cognitive Differentiation Scale, Problem-Solving Scale, and PANSS(Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale) were administered to schizophrenic inpatients before and after IPT incorporating cognitive differentiation, social perception, verbal communication, social skill and interpersonal problem-solving skill subprograms. The therapy groups were offered activities three times per week during the 12-week program. The control groups were attention-placebo groups for control ling factors such as group interaction and social attention, and were offered psychoeducation.
RESULTS
The 12-week IPT groups, compared with the control groups, demonstrated significant improvements in the general psychopathology and the total symptoms of PANSS, but did not in cognitive functions and problem-solving skill. Significant improvements in cognitive functions were found only after cognitive differentiation subprogram and social skill subprogram had limited effects on social skills. But within 12-week IPT groups significant improvements in the positive symptoms, negative symptoms and general psychopathology were found.
CONCLUSION
These findings support some effectiveness of IPT, but do not address the unique contribution by cognitive components. Applied to schizophrenic patients in this country, this modality had the problems such as differences in sociocultural and lingual background, duration of treatment, homogeneity in the level of the functioning among group members, management of emotions in activities, and the therapists' skill in the training of cognitive components. So the modification of this modality will be required.