Table 1.
Evidence-based treatment strategies used in the Optimal Treatment Project (OTP)
| • | Minimally effective antipsychotic drug strategies targeted to changing symptom profiles (7-9) | |
| Choice of medication based on symptom profiles, side effects and response | ||
| Education about benefits and problems | ||
| Adherence training and maintenance | ||
| Side effects prevention and minimization | ||
| Early warning signs of exacerbation | ||
| • | Education of patients and informal carers in stress management strategies (10, 11) | |
| Education to enhance understanding of the nature of psychotic disorders and their clinical treatments | ||
| Training in effective interpersonal communication and structured problem solving to achieve personal goals and manage life stresses | ||
| • | Assertive case-management (12) | |
| Development and maintenance of effective social support - housing, finances, health and safety | ||
| Early detection and intensive care to resolve clinical and social crises in the settings most conducive to full and rapid recovery | ||
| • | Goal-oriented social and occupational skills training (9, 13) | |
| Training patients and informal carers in the skills they need to achieve their personal goals for friendships, close relationships, work and recreational activities | ||
| Supporting patients to access the full range of social and occupational opportunities available in their communities | ||
| • | Specific pharmacological and/or psychological strategies for residual or emerging symptoms (8, 14-17) | |
| Coping with persistent psychosis | ||
| Managing negative symptoms | ||
| Coping with anxiety and panic | ||
| Coping with mood swings, dysphoria and suicidal thoughts | ||
| Managing substance misuse | ||
| Managing anger and frustration | ||
| Managing sleep disorders | ||
| Managing nutritional problems | ||