ABSTRACT
Psychiatric disorders and the symptoms experienced can lead to significant personal suffering for people and their families. There is commonly a negative impact on psychosocial functioning through reduced productivity or absence from work, and each year countries throughout the world bear enormous financial costs, estimated to be up to 4 per cent of gross national product (GNP) in developed countries (WHO, 2003). Since the 1950s a wide range of pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies have shown some effectiveness in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, given the continued needs and pressures associated with mental health problems, we believe neuropsychological rehabilitation inspired by new advances in the cognitive neuroscience of psychiatric disorders will open bright horizons for caregivers and families that will lead to increases in functionality and quality of life.
