A BSTRACT Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental disorder that significantly affects multiple dimensions of an individual’s life, including psychological well-being, social functioning, and overall quality of life (QOL). Although early and effective therapeutic interventions are known to improve long-term outcomes, limited evidence is available regarding their impact on QOL among patients with schizophrenia in India. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to synthesize the best available evidence on the influence of early and effective therapeutic interventions on the QOL of patients with schizophrenia, with a focus on the Indian context. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Clinical Key, and Google Scholar databases up to October 30, 2024. Out of 560 identified articles, 10 studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Findings from global studies indicated that schizophrenia treatment delivered through structured scheduling, prioritization, and adherence to safety protocols leads to improved outcomes. Psychotherapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, social skills training, life skills training, progressive muscle relaxation therapy, and art therapy were found to contribute to symptom reduction, enhanced functioning, and improved QOL. However, no direct studies from the Indian subcontinent specifically assessed QOL among patients with schizophrenia, highlighting a major research gap. The review emphasizes the need for India-specific research to evaluate QOL outcomes and to develop culturally appropriate, multidisciplinary, and evidence-based intervention models. Tele-mental health approaches may serve as a feasible and effective option for delivering schizophrenia care in resource-limited settings. Overall, evidence supports the importance of integrating pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to enhance QOL, but further research is urgently required in India to strengthen policy, practice, and mental health service delivery.
Thakur et al. (2025) studied this question.