Comparison of the effectiveness of occupational therapy and social skills training in individuals with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and recurrent disorder. The combination of medication with psychosocial programs is known to have positive effects on compliance with the treatment, independent life, social skills and quality of life. In this study, we aim to compare the effectiveness of occupational therapy and social skills training on psychopathology, cognitive status, occupational performance, psychosocial functioning, social participation and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. The study sample consisted of 60 people, 30 of which were control and 30 were intervention. Social Skills Training consisted of 10 sessions that lasted 50 minutes once a week. Social Skills Training with Occupational Therapy Program consisted of 16 sessions that lasted 50 minutes once a week. Before, after interventions and at follow-up, measurements about psychopathology, cognitive status, occupational performance, psychosocial functioning, social participation and quality of life were administered and social environment was assessed. Results showed that clinical symptoms were decreased; cognitive skills, social functioning, problem solving skills and communication skills resulted in improvement and increased levels of occupational performance, social participation and quality of life after interventions in both social skills training group and social skills training with occupational therapy group. In follow-up, it was found that improvement in clinical symptoms, occupational performance, social functioning, communication skills, problem solving skills, social participation and quality of life continued in the social skills training with occupational therapy group. In line with these findings, it is considered that inclusion of occupational therapy in psychosocial rehabilitation will increase functionality of individuals with schizophrenia. Keywords: Schizophrenia, occupational therapy, social skills training, occupational performance, social participation