psychological treatments

• what are the 3 types of psychological treatments for schizophrenia

  CBT

  family therapy

  token economies
• CBT


  method of treating mental disorders based on both cognitive and behavioural techniques
• what is the aim of CBT when treating schizophrenia?

  identify and challenge irrational thoughts and trying to change them
• explain how CBT is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (4)

  > initial assessment of the patient by the therapist

  > therapist helps the patient to identify irrational beliefs (eg. distorted thoughts)

  > patients encouraged to challenge the beliefs and consider alternative explanations

  > CBT also teaches coping strategies to help reduce distress caused by symptoms helping management
• strengths of CBT in the treatment of schizophrenia

  RESEARCH SUPPORT

  . Jauhar - analysis of 34 studies of CBT - found that CBT had a significant affect on both positive and negative symptoms

  . Sensky - found a reduction in positive and negative symptoms and continued improvement after 9 months --> shows CBT is effective

  NO SIDE EFFECTS
• limitations of CBT in the treatment of schizophrenia

  - time consuming

  - costly

  - high levels of engagement

  - doesn't cure, only helps to manage symptoms
• family therapy


  a psychological therapy carried out with members of a family with the aim of improving their communication and reducing the stress of living as a family
• what is the aim of family therapy?

  improve the quality of communication between family members
• name 3 strategies Pharaoh identified to improve the functioning of families

  . reduce conflict

  . reduce stress

  . improve problem solving
• explain how family therapy works in treating schizophrenia

  strategies work by reducing stress levels and levels of expressed emotion while increasing the chances of patients complying with medication
• strengths of family therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia

  RESEARCH SUPPORT

  . Leff - found only 8% of those who received family therapy relapsed after 9 months (however, after 2 years 75% had replapsed suggesting it isn't so effective in the long run)

  COST EFFECTIVE
• limitations of family therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia


  - not a cure

  - time consuming

  - high levels of commitment required
• token economies


  form of behavioural therapy where desirable behaviours are encouraged through reinforcement
• what are token economies based on?

  operant conditioning
• explain how token economies work in the management of schizophrenia

  > target behaviours identified (eg. self care)

  > when the patient performs that behaviour, they receive a token

  > the token can be exchanged for more tangible rewards which positively reinforce the target behaviour
• strengths of token economies in the treatment of schizophrenia

  RESEARCH SUPPORT

  < Dickens - found in 13 studies, token economies were effective in improving behaviour
• limitations of token economies in the treatment of schizophrenia


  - not a cure

  - ethical issues