One of the main goals in the treatment of schizophrenia is to increase psychosocial functioning and to provide a satisfying life for patients with schizophrenia who have persistent symptoms although all treatment efforts, including ECT, had been performed. Whatever the clinical conditions of the patients are, they have a right to live in dignity in their community like other people. The emphasis in psychiatric rehabilitation approaches is on enhancing psychosocial functioning and quality of life of patients. Increasing the functioning of patients depends on controlling symptoms as much as possible and preventing exacerbations. Patients should learn and practice coping skills (humming or singing, reading aloud, thinking "stop", listening to the radio, watching TV, doing favorite hobbies, telling the voices to go away, doing physical exercise, going to movies etc.) for their persistent symptoms. Sometimes it may be necessary to use behavioral techniques; for example, a patient showing 20 aggressive behaviors due to command hallucinations a week, showed on aggressive behavior a month after applying a behavior modification program. Patients should be placed in a program, in which their healthy aspects can be developed and keep them in continuing daily activities, so that they become empowered. All these results can take place by collaboration and coordination of different services. Being provided a safe environment, getting positive feedback, participating in occupational activities and working in a less stimulating milieu are also important for patients.
It could be possible for patients to live a more satisfying and more normal life by integrating treatment and rehabilitation services. The elements of integrated approaches are: patients' participation in treatment and the maintenance of treatment, development of treatment alliances, teaching illness management, using cognitive behavioral treatment methods, modifying new resources to attain personal goals, accommodating community resources, establishing relationships with psychosocial clubs, involving families in the treatment, and providing personal support services (case management), supported employment, supported residence, and peer supports.