Effects of psychosocial interventions on motor speed and accuracy of chronic positive, negative, and mixed symptom schizophrenics

Clinical data suggests that schizophrenic patients have an impaired ability to carry out purposeful activities which were previously self-regulative. Schizophrenic psychomotor performance is consequently slow and deliberate, and readily interfered with. This impairment often leads to frustration and despair in the patient as well as in caregivers, and interferes with the rehabilitation process. Psychological interventions in the form of performance contingent verbal feedback and planned interpersonal interaction in small groups were introduced, and were found to ameliorate motor deficits to a significant extent. Implications for patient motivation, well being and rehabilitation are discussed.