A Step Forward in Research on Psychotherapy of Schizophrenia

The Boston group have devoted 10 years to a thoughtful, comprehensive, and much needed study that will undoubtedly become a classic reference in the field. If the emphasis is placed on differences that reached statistical significance, the major finding is minimal outcome differences between exploratory, insightoriented (EIO) and reality-adaptive, supportive (RAS) therapies with, if anything, significant advantages to RAS in recidivism and performance. Selective beneficial effects for EIO gain only very weak support. The results should contribute to a climate wherein we may move on to study how psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy can be combined to achieve optimal results and minimize toxic effects.