Chapter 14: Treatments for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Disorders

state hospitals

Public mental hospitals in the United States, run by the individual states.

milieu therapy

A humanistic approach to institutional treatment based on the premise that institutions can help patients recover by creating a climate that promotes self-respect, responsible behavior, and meaningful activity.

token economy program

A behavior-focused program in which a person’s desirable behaviors are reinforced systematically by the awarding of tokens that can be exchanged for goods or privileges

antipsychotic drugs

Drugs that help correct grossly confused or distorted thinking

neuroleptic drugs

First-generation antipsychotic drugs, so called because they often produce undesired effects similar to the symptoms of neurological disorders.

extrapyramidal effects

Unwanted movements, such as severe shaking, bizarre-looking grimaces, twisting of the body, and extreme restlessness, sometimes produced by antipsychotic drugs

tardive dyskinesia

Extrapyramidal effects involving involuntary movements that some patients have after they have taken antipsychotic drugs for an extended time

agranulocytosis

A life-threatening drop in white blood cells. This condition is sometimes produced by the second-generation antipsychotic drug clozapine

cognitive remediation

A treatment that focuses on the cognitive impairments that often characterize people with schizophrenia— particularly their difficulties in attention, planning, and memory

coordinated specialty care (CSC)

A treatment approach for people with severe mental disorders in which clinicians provide interventions ranging from therapy and practical advice to medication monitoring, housing guidance, and vocational counseling.

deinstitutionalization

The discharge of large numbers of patients from long-term institutional care so that they might be treated in community programs

assertive community treatment

A community approach for people with severe mental disorders in which a multidisciplinary team provides interventions ranging from medications and therapy to residential and vocational guidance.

community mental health center

A treatment facility that provides medication, psychotherapy, and emergency care for psychological problems and coordinates treatment in the community.

aftercare

A program of posthospitalization care and treatment in the community

day center

A program that offers hospital-like treatment during the day only. Also known as a day hospital

halfway house

A residence for people with schizophrenia or other severe problems, often staffed by paraprofessionals. Also known as a group home or crisis house.

sheltered workshop

A supervised workplace for people who are not yet ready for competitive jobs.

case manager

A community therapist who offers and coordinates a full range of services for people with severe mental disorders, including therapy, advice, medication supervision, guidance through the community system, and protection of patients’ rights.