Back to Basics The Latest on Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Course overview

Course Description: This course provides an evidence-based overview of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, including prevalence, etiology, early identification, psychosocial interventions, and pharmacological treatment options. Learners will explore coordinated specialty care (CSC), major psychotherapy modalities, and the use of antipsychotic medications-including clozapine, long-acting injectables, and the newly approved muscarinic agonist xanomeline/trospium-as well as best practices for side-effect monitoring and recovery-oriented care. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level practitioners who wish to learn more about schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It is also a good resource for licensed therapists who need continuing education for license renewal. Authors: Cotes, Ku, Azrin, Waford, Gannon, Ehret Learning Objectives: This course will provide a professional with detailed information about schizophrenia spectrum disorders, their treatment, and recovery-oriented care. Specifically, the practitioner will: 1. Identify the core symptoms, risk factors, and evidence-based treatment approaches for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. 2. Distinguish among the major psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions used in the treatment of schizophrenia, including cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACTp), cognitive remediation training, and family-based approaches. 3. Compare the pharmacological treatment options for schizophrenia and apply appropriate monitoring parameters and side-effect management strategies. Citation: Cotes, R. O., Ku, B. S., Azrin, S. T., Waford, R., Gannon, J. M., & Ehret, M. (2026). Back to basics: The latest on schizophrenia spectrum disorders (PEP26-01-006). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.