Interpersonal cognitive problem-solving with chronic schizophrenics

This study evaluated the effects of an interpersonal cognitive problem-solving programme on chronic schizophrenic inpatients, to see whether it was more effective in increasing problem-solving skills and adaptive functioning on the ward than medication alone or medication and group meetings. Thirty chronic schizophrenic inpatients were matched in trios for age, education, time since first diagnosis and problem-solving skills. Each member of a trio was allocated to either the problem-solving group, the group control for attention and structure or the no treatment group. The experimental and control group met each week for 45 minutes for between 6 and 9 weeks. The experimental group were trained in the 4 stages of problem-solving: recognising problems, producing alternative solutions, being aware of the consequences of their actions and choosing solutions to interpersonal problems. Problem-solving measures were taken one week before, one week and 2 months after the intervention. Also nurses on the subjects' wards completed NOSIE-30s before and after the programme and at follow-up, as a measure of how much if at all subjects' behaviour changed on the ward. ‚Äö No significant difference was found between the groups on any of the measures. The experimental group's problem-solving skills did not improve significantly nor did their behaviour on the ward. Comparision with similar studies are made and improvements suggested. Recommendations are made for interpersonal problemsolving's role in the treatment of chronic schizophrenics.