This study will evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral social skills training versus supportive contact in improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don't hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These symptoms make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to interact normally and establish healthy social relationships with others. Cognitive behavioral social skills training (CBSST) is a group behavioral therapy intervention that focuses on improving cognitive and metacognitive impairments and social skills deficits that interfere with normal functioning in people with schizophrenia. Supportive contact (SC) is a group therapy intervention that focuses on helping people with schizophrenia to verbalize their problems or worries and to seek advice from fellow group members. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of CBSST versus SC in improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia. The study will also assess changes in cognition, psychotic symptoms, and use of psychiatric healthcare services.

Participants in this open label study will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: treatment as usual (TAU) plus CBSST or TAU plus SC. Both interventions will hold 2-hour therapy sessions weekly for 36 weeks. Groups receiving each intervention will not exceed ten people. CBSST will integrate cognitive therapy, social skills training, and neurocognitive compensatory aids. Cognitive therapy will help participants challenge unhelpful thoughts and build communication and problem-solving skills. Participants will receive workbooks that describe the skills and contain homework assignments. SC will focus on empowering participants to share problems, worries, or concerns with others who face similar issues. Participants will share advice amongst each other, but therapists will not teach skills. Outcomes will be assessed at Months 4.5, 9, 15, and 21 for all participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at any stage of illness

Exclusion Criteria:

• Level of care required at baseline interferes with outpatient group therapy participation (e.g., partial or inpatient hospitalization for psychiatric illness, substance use, or physical illness)
• No case manager or care coordinator
• Medically or psychiatrically unstable for outpatient therapy
• Exposure to social skills training (SST), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) within 5 years prior to study entry