Factors to consider when setting treatment goals

Because schizophrenia is a chronic illness that influences virtually all aspects of life of the affected persons, treatment planning has three goals:^{[Lehman et al., 2010]}

1. reduce or eliminate symptoms
2. maximise quality of life and adaptive functioning
3. promote and maintain recovery from the debilitating effects of illness to the maximum extent possible.

Accurate diagnosis has enormous implications for short- and long-term treatment planning, and it is essential to note that diagnosis is a process rather than a one-time event.^{[Lehman et al., 2010]} As new information becomes available about the patient and his or her symptoms, the patient’s diagnosis should be re-evaluated, and, if necessary, the treatment plan should be changed.^{[Lehman et al., 2010]}

Reference:
Lehman AF, Lieberman JA, Dixon LB, et al.; American Psychiatric Association: steering committee on practice guidelines. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, second edition. Am J Psychiatry 2004; 161 (2 Suppl.): 1–56.

Other reference used on slide: Oh J, Ko YH, Paik JW, et al. Variables influencing subjective well-being in patients with schizophrenia. Korean J Schizophr Res 2014; 17 (2): 93–99.