New therapies help people with schizophrenia – but access is woefully inadequate

Researchers have developed cognitive remediation and social-cognitive therapies for schizophrenia over the past 15 years, targeting attention, memory, and the ability to read others' emotions and intentions. More than 100 controlled trials show cognitive remediation improves daily functioning, and roughly 40% of diagnosed people have mild or no symptoms and sustain jobs and relationships.

Despite this evidence, schizophrenia remains a top-ten cause of disability worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 5 homeless people and 15% of state prison inmates affected by severe mental illness. The article notes these therapies show real promise but that few people with the disorder ever gain access to them.

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