Contemporary treatment of schizophrenia.

Over the past decade the treatment of schizophrenia has changed in each of its biopsychosocial domains. Advances in neuroscience, particularly in the knowledge of the receptor site, led to increased effectiveness of antipsychotic medication. Development of more sophisticated psychoeducational and rehabilitative techniques enhanced the chances for fuller recovery. Evolution from therapeutic community to continuum of care replaced the traditional inpatient setting with a range of more ambulatory-based alternatives. Comprehensive treatment matches these changes with the phase of illness and is reinforced with a flexible and supportive psychotherapy that emphasizes medication compliance and educational and problem-solving tasks.