Campaigners plea for schizophrenia therapy funds

Health chiefs must invest more in talking therapies for schizophrenics, campaigners said today.

Schizophrenia Ireland said scientific evidence was clear that psychotherapy should be used alongside medication to best help sufferers.

John Saunders, director of Schizophrenia Ireland, said the Health Service Executive (HSE) had policies to support such intervention but was not investing enough in it.

“The reality is that there isn’t the resources on the ground,” he said.

“The HSE needs to invest more heavily in these types of therapy. Research shows that using both medication and psychotherapy produces the best results.”

Mr Saunders was launching a new document, 'Talking about Talking Therapies', as part of Lucia Week, the national schizophrenia awareness week.

The guide outlines the arguments for psychological interventions in patients.

Mr Saunders said an HSE embargo on recruitment was further exacerbating the problem, with an estimated shortfall of around 110 psychological posts.

“The need for greater access to psychological or talk therapies has been clearly articulated by many groups,” he said.