Replies Mental health • Psychotherapy is part of treatment for schizophrenia

We thank Ms Fawziah Selamat for her letter ("Can therapy be part of treatment for schizophrenia?", June 3), and commend her for her advocacy of her brother and others living with schizophrenia.

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Her reflections echo the concerns of many families. We want to assure patients and caregivers that we adopt a holistic treatment approach for patients with psychosis (including schizophrenia) at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

While medication is the cornerstone of treatment for psychosis, we also provide case management, psychotherapy, family intervention, peer support, social rehabilitation and support for community reintegration, depending on the patient’s needs and stage of recovery.

Medication helps to reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions or disorganised thinking. Stabilising the individual’s condition will allow him to better engage in therapy and other forms of support.