Woman and Man
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Extract
Background and study aims Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that causes considerable distress and can damage other aspects of a person's life. People with schizophrenia often find it difficult to express themselves and their social functioning (their ability to look after themselves and get on with others) may also suffer. While medication can help to reduce these problems, many people continue to experience symptoms despite talking regular medication. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that may be particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. It is usually delivered in groups of up to eight people held weekly over a period of several months or years. Recent research has shown that group art therapy may improve the mental health of people with schizophrenia but studies have been too small to be sure whether it really makes a difference compared to other groups that are often used as part of the care that services usually provide. We would therefore like to carry out a larger study in which we examine the mental health, social functioning, and cost-effectiveness of art therapy for people with schizophrenia. Who can participate? Patients aged over 18 with schizophrenia What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to receive either usual care, usual care plus a place in a weekly activity group, or usual care plus weekly group art therapy. Those allocated a place in the activity group or usual care are offered art therapy at the end of the study. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? This study will help us learn more about the forms of psychological intervention that help people with this important condition. Where is the study run from? University College London (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? November 2006 to October 2010 Who is funding the study? Health Technology Assessment Programme (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Helen Killaspy [email protected]
Inclusion criteria
- Schizophrenia