Psychosocial rehabilitation in the treatment of schizophrenia

a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: this study aimed to analyze the impacts of psychosocial rehabilitation on the non-pharmacological treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia. Method: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) methodology, searches were conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane databases using the terms "psychosocial rehabilitation" and "schizophrenia" combined with the Boolean operator AND. Randomized controlled clinical trials, in English or Portuguese, addressing the topic in adults. Results: The initial search included 158 articles, and in the end, 17 articles
were selected according to the eligibility criteria. Studies indicate that GSR-BF (Galvanic Skin Response Biofeedback) therapy promotes greater acceptance of schizophrenia and increases the neurotrophic factor BDNF. Community-based rehabilitation has demonstrated benefits, such as improved quality of life and reduced psychiatric symptoms. Naikan mindfulness therapy increases life satisfaction and social functioning, while Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) surpasses standard rehabilitation in cognitive and functional improvement. Individualized life skills training is also associated with greater independence and functionality. Conclusion: Studies show that structured interventions, such as occupational therapy and physical exercise, are effective strategies in the psychosocial rehabilitation of this group. The integration of therapeutic approaches provides benefits, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective treatment.