“What is the most effective therapy for schizophrenia?”

I am so sorry that this is happening to your friend. Schizophrenia is best treated with excellent medication management (by a very experienced psychiatrist). Some people with schizophrenia go through seasons wherein they are not able to take care of themselves safely or they can become a threat to themselves or others. In those cases, they will need to have temporary stays in hospital settings in order to get the right care they need, and have their medications tweaked to best help them. I would also recommend that the people closest to your friend get the support they need through support groups and/or psychotherapy. Best wishes to you all.

Typically for schizophrenia, antipsychotic medications are required, as it is a biologically driven illness. In addition, supportive psychotherapy is helpful so as to increase an individual’s insight into their need for medication and to help normalize and destigmatize the condition.

Your friend should seek a therapist, and get the proper diagnosis.

                                                                                  
Zummuna Davis, Ph.D.
Clear Minds Psychology Center
773-610-0069Working together to clear minds!

For many patients living with schizophrenia, a combination of psychopharmacological and psychosocial interventions which can include family intervention, supported employment, assertive community treatment, skills training, and CBT assists in a more positive outcome as well.

See this link...typically a combination of approaches is needed...
https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-therapy
or
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/abcs-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-schizophrenia