Effectiveness of Social Skills Training in Person with Schizophrenia: A Case Study

Background: Schizophrenia imposes problems in day to day living, community functioning, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving strategies or new skills acquisition. Psychosocial intervention like social skills training helps in the improvement of social skills of the person with schizophrenia. The applicability of social skills training for the patient with poor social skills has been well evidenced in social work practice. Aim: The present case study aimed to improve the social skills of the person with schizophrenia by using social skills training. Methodology: This case study was a single subject case study done in the inpatient department of LGBRIMH, Tezpur. A case diagnosed with schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria was selected. Psychiatric social work assessment was done using clinical and social history proforma, Work Behaviour Inventory, Social Adaptive Functioning Evaluation (SAFE), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Social Skills Checklist was administered before and after the intervention. Based on the assessment social skill training was provided to improve the social skills of the client. Results: There were changes observed in pre and post scores of social functioning, social skills, positive and negative symptoms. Significant changes were noticed in social skills and work functioning. Conclusion: Social skills training is effective and can be provided for improving social skills, for enhancing work behaviour and social functioning.