Cognitive behavioural therapy

• how does CBT work?


  CBT for schizophrenia can take between 5 and 20 sessions. It can be delivered in groups or one to one. It allows the patient to make adjustments to their thinking that help them to cope- it does not get rid of symptoms
• what does CBT assume?


  CBT for schizophrenia can take between 5 and 20 sessions. It can be delivered in groups or one to one. It allows the patient to make adjustments to their thinking that help them to cope- it does not get rid of symptoms
• what does CBT use?


  This treatment uses both cognitive and behavioural principles to alter a patient’s thought processes and behaviour
• how does CBT treat schizophrenia?


  they try to challenge the maladaptive thoughts of schizophrenics. Schizophrenic people are often unaware that they are subject to cognitive errors, or that there are problems with their thinking. The therapist will try to make these maladaptive thoughts conscious, and then by challenging them, the patient will see that there is no basis for these thoughts.
• what is another way CBT challenge dysfunctional thoughts?


  The therapist will also set behavioural assignments to the patient to challenge dysfunctional thoughts, and to encourage levels of functioning. For example, a patient who believes that they can predict the future may be asked to predict what happens next during a paused TV show. By testing out their beliefs, the patient can acknowledge their faulty thinking, and then change it.
• what is a strength?

  Evidence: Jauhar et al (2014) analysed the findings from a number of studies (34) and found that CBT has a small but significant effects on both positive and negative symptoms.
• what is another strength?

  Bateman et al (2007) looked at the effects of CBT with a specific focus on the benefits to reducing suicidal thoughts- given that 30-50% attempt it at some point this is important. 99 patients split into 2 groups- CBT/ no CBT. All had been resistant to antipsychotics. CBT was found to reduce suicidal ideation both immediately after therapy and in a follow up 9 months later!
• what is a weakness?

  There are methodological problems with research conducted into CBT. Most of the research that reports a positive effect of CBT on schizophrenia includes patients who also receive antipsychotics. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the effects of the drug and the effects of CBT.
• what is a weakness?

  Another criticism is that CBT usually has to take place weekly, and can last for months. Therefore it can be costly and time consuming when compared to other therapies. How ethical is it to tell someone that the thoughts they have are irrational? Are we interfering with freedom of thought?