Evidence-Based Treatment of Severely Mentally Ill People with Psychosocial Therapies - First Update of the DGPPN S3 Guideline

Background: Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with a large burden for affected individuals and their relatives. Psychosocial therapies are a central pillar of the treatment in SMI.

Methods: Recommendations on psychosocial treatment on the basis of current scientific evidence and structured consensus-finding procedure are provided in the update of the S3 guideline "Psychosocial therapies for severe mental illness".

Results: The update of the guideline includes 33 recommendations and 12 statements in the areas of system-level and individual-level interventions (e. g., to work, housing and psychoeducation) as well as on approaches to self-help (e. g. to self-management and peer services) and on general strategies and orientations (e. g., recovery). A so-called Matrix Chapter meets the specifics of the German healthcare system.

Conclusions: There is a large body of international scientific evidence on various psychosocial interventions, outlining chances of improved social and work participation of people with severe mental illness (SMI). Further developments in the areas of implementation and quality assurance are urgently needed.