Befriending as a promising intervention for treating schizophrenia

Dr. Felicia Iftene and Ms. Adriana Farcas and their team recently co-authored a publication in the journal “Frontiers in Psychiatry” to examine the role of befriending or one-on-one companionship in providing emotional support in people with schizophrenia. This publication reviewed the work done to date and found that studies have reported a consistent improvement in the ability of the patients to function in society. Some examples to demonstrate improved functioning were decrease in loneliness, increased confidence and more social contacts. More research is needed to confirm if befriending also helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia. This study was funded through the Providence Care innovation grant.

Read the research study here.