People with schizophrenia often have problems functioning in everyday life. As people with schizophrenia get older, resources for effective health care and social services may become more limited. There is a need to develop effective rehabilitation programs that are sensitive to the special needs of older persons with schizophrenia.
Patients are randomly assigned to either 1 of 2 groups. The FAST group will involve 24 sessions of group intervention designed to enhance daily functioning of older patients with schizophrenia. The placebo group will involve participation in a psychosocial support group for an equivalent amount of time. Treatment is followed by 6 monthly maintenance sessions. Patients will be assessed at 6, 12, and 18 months after the study start. Assessments include clinical and functional measures.
