The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of social skills training on symptoms and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Patients (males and females aged 18-65) with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria in the interview, whom will have the need to receive rehabilitation services, will be selected. These patients, will be in remission phase and will be treated, by conventional medications.
Inclusion criterion: 1) men or women with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (according to DSM IV-TR classification and interview)
2)18-65 years old
3) At least fifth grade education
4) Being in remission ( according to clinical judgment by psychiatrist, resident or faculty member and PANSS score)
5) being on medication
6) informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criterion:
1) Age fewer than 18 or over 65
2) Presence of other psychiatric disorders (mood disorders, substance related disorder exception nicotine dependence in last year, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder)
3) presence of any brain damage or neurological disorders or serious medical
conditions
4) intellectual disability
The sample size is 18. The benefits of attending educational sessions will be explained to patients and families and the written informed consent will be obtained. After that, preliminary assessment and history taking will be done by a trained psychologist and assessment by HDRS ( Hamilton Depression Rating scale), PANSS (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale), GAF (global assessment of function) and WHO-QOL( World Health Organization- quality of life) will be done too. After the initial assessment, patients will participate in social skills training sessions twice a week for about an hour to an hour and a half. This training is based on Wallace method. The content of sessions are: listening, make a request, the skills for expression of pleasant and unpleasant emotions, criticizing, initiation of a conversation , maintaining the conversation , ending of conversation, making conversation with unfamiliar person, the principles of conversations, find common ground and problem solving. These training will be taught, by a trained occupational therapist and a trained psychiatrist assistant, who were participated in social skills training workshops. Repetition, positive reinforcement and role playing, are the most common techniques which be used in this method. At the end of the 12 training sessions (after 6 weeks) and 3 months after the last session, re-evaluation with PANSS, GAF, HDRS, WHO-QOL and CSQ will be done again, by a trained psychologist.