Psychosocial strategies which enhance independent living and social skills
Question 11: In individuals with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia) and bipolar disorder, are psychosocial strategies which enhance independent living and social skills and independent or assisted living arrangements feasible and effective?
- Population: adults with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia), and bipolar disorder
- Interventions: psychosocial interventions enhancing independent living and social skills (including social skills/life skills training, assisted or independent living facilities)
- Comparison: care as usual
- Outcomes:
- symptoms severity
- prevention of relapses
- disability and functioning
- quality of life
- mortality
- treatment adherence
- users' and families' satisfaction with care.
Recommendation(s)
Psychosocial interventions to enhance independent living and social skills should be considered for people with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia), bipolar disorder and their families/caregivers. Users, their families/caregivers and the community should be involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of these psychosocial interventions, in coordination with health and social professionals. Professionals delivering psychosocial interventions should have an appropriate level of competence and, wherever possible, be regularly supervised by the relevant specialists. Psychosocial interventions should be continued as long as needed by the user and his/her family and therefore should be planned and developed in a sustainable way.
Strength of recommendation: STANDARD
Social skills training may be considered as an option for individuals with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia) and bipolar disorder. Social skills training should be associated with other psychosocial interventions.
Strength of recommendation: STANDARD
Facilitation of supported housing/assisted living facilities as well as independent living facilities may be considered as an option for individuals with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia). Careful consideration should be given to the functional capacity and the need for stability and support in advising and facilitating optimal housing arrangements.
Strength of recommendation: STANDARD