A multidimensional and interactive model that includes stress, vulnerability, and protective factors best guides the types of interventions for treating and rehabilitating persons with schizophrenia.
The practical significance of the stress-vulnerability-protective factors model of schizophrenia lies in the guidelines it offers to clinicians. Medications buffer the psychobiological vulnerability and underlying biochemical disturbance; training in problem solving and social and independent living skills promotes the development of personal competence and thereby strengthens the individual's protection against stress and vulnerability; supportive services (e.g., case management, housing, social service entitlements, supported employment) compensate for the individual's residual symptoms and deficits in functioning independently.
An integrated approach that incorporates early detection and treatment of schizophrenia
symptoms, collaboration between patients and caregivers in managing treatment, family
and social supports, and training in social, instrumental and coping skills has been
documented to improve the course and outcome of schizophrenia as measured by symptom
recurrence, social functioning, and quality of life.