Negative Symptoms or a Problem of Depleted Social Buffers and Disappearing Psychosocial Resources.

This is one of three presentations given at the Residential and Community Treatment of Psychosis conference, organized by Ellenhorn, Gould Farm, and the Erikson Institute at Austen Riggs Center.

Dr. Ellenhorn is a pioneer and leader in the development and promotion of community integration services, types of care that serve and empower individuals diagnosed with psychiatric and/or addiction issues while they remain in their own communities and outside institutional settings.

In this presentation Ross Ellenhorn, PhD, explores the pivotal role of social buffers in motivating individuals within their social environments. By addressing the absence of these buffers alongside the "fear of hope," it offers a profound understanding of the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Through critical analysis, it evaluates how conventional treatment approaches may inadvertently exacerbate symptoms, potentially contributing to iatrogenic outcomes where medical interventions foster illness. By scrutinizing these dynamics, the presentation aims to prompt thoughtful reflection and discourse among attendees, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in schizophrenia treatment. It advocates for reevaluation of prevailing paradigms, emphasizing the need for more empathetic and nuanced approaches to address the challenges posed by schizophrenia and related conditions.