This paper describes the author's experience with outpatient groups in schizophrenia and explores the process of ensuring active attendance. Necessary ingredients are the provision of immediate, tangible rewards to patients and therapists, constancy, flexibility, and the long-term benefits of social learning.
BattegayR., von MarschallR.Results of long-term group psychotherapy with schizophrenics.Compr Psychiatry1978; 19: 349–53.
3.
ClaghornJ.L., JohnstoneE.E., CookT.H., ItschnerL.Group therapy and maintenance treatment of schizophrenics.Arch Gen Psychiatry1974; 31: 361–65.
4.
HerzM.I., SpitzerR.L., GibbonM.Individual versus group aftercare treatment.Am J Psychiatry1974; 131: 808–12.
5.
MalhotraH.K., OlgiatiS.G.Fluphenazine therapy in groups.Compr Psychiatry1977; 18: 89–92.
6.
MosherL.R., KeithS.J.Research on the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia: a summary report.Am J Psychiatry1979; 136: 623–31.
7.
O'BrienC.P., HammK.B., RayB.A.Group vs. individual psychotherapy with schizophrenics: a controlled outcome study.Arch Gen Psychiatry1972; 27: 474–78.
8.
PurvisS.A., MiskiminisR.W.Effects of community followup on post-hospital adjustments of psychiatric patients.Community Ment Health J1970; 6: 374–82.
9.
ShattanS.P., DecampL., FujiiE.Group treatments of conditionally discharged patients in a mental health clinic.Am J Psychiatry1966; 122: 798–805.
10.
SeemanM.V.Clinical versus private treatment of psychosis.J Clin Psychiatry1978; 39: 213–15.
11.
SeemanM.V., ColeH.J.The effect of increasing personal contact in schizophrenia.Compr Psychiatry1977; 18: 283–93.
12.
PykeJ.Nutrition and the chronic schizophrenic.Can Nurse1979; 75: 40–44.
13.
Ezrin-WatersC., SeemanM.V., SeemanP.Tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenic outpatients: prevalence and significant variables.J Clin Psychiatry (in press).
14.
SchniewindH.E., DayM., SemradE.V.Group psychotherapy of schizophrenia. In: BellakL., LoebL. eds. The schizophrenic syndrome.New York: Grune & Stratton, 1979.
15.
SeemanM.V.Focus on co-therapy in a rehabilitation programme for advanced schizophrenia.Canada's Mental Health1976; 24: 13–14.
16.
MorganR.Conversations with chronic schizophrenic patients.Br J Psychiatry1979; 134: 187–94.
