The efficacy of antipsychotic drugs and family therapies in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia.

The efficacy of antipsychotic drugs in both the short-term and long-term treatment of schizophrenia has been clearly demonstrated. Long-acting injectable drugs are particularly useful because of the clarity they provide about the patient's receipt of medication. The clinician can better understand the circumstances surrounding a relapse in a patient receiving long-acting antipsychotic medication because there is no uncertainty about drug compliance. Approaches to psychosocial therapy that emphasize education and involvement of family members in the treatment process also show particular promise for long-term maintenance care of schizophrenic patients. Three models of family therapy are described, and their impact on subsequent relapse rates is reviewed. Although few studies have systematically explored the interaction of drug and psychosocial treatments, the available data suggest that this treatment strategy is effective in both preventing relapse and reducing psychotic symptomatology.