The Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT): Updated Treatment Recommendations 2003

• Published in: Schizophrenia bulletin Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 193 - 217
• Main Authors: Lehman, Anthony F, Kreyenbuhl, Julie, Buchanan, Robert W, Dickerson, Faith B, Dixon, Lisa B, Goldberg, Richard, Green-Paden, Lisa D, Tenhula, Wendy N, Boerescu, Daniela, Tek, Cenk, Sandson, Neil, Steinwachs, Donald M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford National Institute of Mental Health 01-01-2004; Oxford University Press; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Antipsychotic Agents - classification; Antipsychotic Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Community Mental Health Services - standards; Community Mental Health Services - supply & distribution; Drug Therapy; Experimentation; Human; Humans; Medical sciences; Mental Health Services; Miscellaneous; Neuropharmacology; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Psycholeptics: tranquillizer, neuroleptic; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; Psychotherapies. Psychological and clinical counseling; Psychotherapy - methods; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenia - drug therapy; Schizophrenia - therapy; Treatment Guidelines; Treatment Outcomes; Treatments; United States; United States; Schizophrenia; mental health services; treatment outcomes; quality of care; psychosocial treatment; pharmacotherapy; Human; Neuroleptic; Psychotropic; Psychotherapy; Health service; Recommendation; Care; Psychosis; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Quality; Public health
• ISSN: 0586-7614; 1745-1701
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.schbul.a007071

Since publication of the original Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) treatment recommendations in 1998, considerable scientific advances have occurred in our knowledge about how to help persons with schizophrenia. Today an even stronger body of research supports the scientific basis of treatment This evidence, taken in its entirety, points to the value of treatment approaches combining medications with psychosocial treatments, including psychological interventions, family interventions, supported employment, assertive community treatment, and skills training. The most significant advances lie in the increased options for pharmacotherapy, with the introduction of second generation antipsychotic medications, and greater confidence and specificity in the application of psychosocial interventions. Currently available treatment technologies, when appropriately applied and accessible, should provide most patients with significant relief from psychotic symptoms and improved opportunities to lead more fulfilling lives in the community. Nonetheless, major challenges remain, including the need for (1) better knowledge about the underlying etiologies of the neurocognitive impairments and deficit symptoms that account for much of the disability still associated with schizophrenia; (2) treatments that more directly address functional impairments and that promote recovery; and (3) approaches that facilitate access to scientifically based treatments for patients, the vast majority of whom currently do not have such access.