Art Therapy in Acute Schizophrenia

Art Therapy for Symptom Reduction in Acute Schizophrenia - a Randomised Controlled Trial (Kunsttherapie Zur Symptomreduktion Bei Akuter Schizophrenie - Eine Randomisierte Kontrollierte Pilotstudie)

Randomised, controlled, single-blinded pilot study to assess the efficacy of psychodynamic art therapy in a sample of hospitalized, (sub)acutely psychotic patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia compared to a group of patients receiving treatment as usual.

*Main hypothesis: Art therapy has no impact on clinical symptoms and the course of remission compared to TAU.

*Exploratory hypotheses: Art therapy has no influence on quality of life, mentalizing function, self-efficacy and neuroleptic dosage compared to TAU.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR
• age 18-64 yrs
• sufficient German language competency
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• axis-I mental disorders other than schizophrenia
• comorbid antisocial personality disorder, relevant substance abuse,
• relevant severe somatic disease
• acute suicidal tendencies or aggression
• incapability to tolerate group settings