18. MOVING THE NEEDLE ON AN INTRACTABLE PROBLEM: NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Negative symptoms such as deficits in motivation and volition are a primary cause of disability in schizophrenia. Although negative symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, they are currently considered an unmet treatment need in schizophrenia. This symposium will present data from four trials of innovative psychosocial treatments developed to improve negative symptoms and community functioning. Dr. Reddy will present efficacy data from a randomized controlled trial of a recovery-oriented group treatment using motivational interviewing combined with CBT to improve motivational negative symptoms. Dr. Granholm will present data from an open pilot trial of a mobile smartphone-based CBT intervention for negative symptoms that shows significant improvements in defeatist beliefs and negative symptoms. Dr. Bennett will present qualitative findings that support the use of a behavioral program that addresses motivation, cognitions, and behavioral skills training, for improving community engagement among Veterans with schizophrenia and negative symptoms. Dr. Velligan will present data from several RCTs on the MOVE intervention which includes cognitive adaptation training, social skills training, cognitive restructuring and emotion processing, and yields significant gains in motivation and negative symptoms. Finally, Dr. Kring will serve as the discussant and will integrate the findings, highlight the clinical implications, and consider future directions from these four studies of innovative interventions for the treatment of negative symptoms.