CBT AO3

• +Evidence for effectiveness. Jauhar reviewed 34 studies of CBT for schizophrenia, and concluded that there is evidence for significant effects on symptoms. Pontillo found reductions in auditory hallucinations. Clinical advice from NICE recommends CBT for people with schizophrenia. This means both research and clinical experience support CBT for schizophrenia.
• -Quality of evidence. Thomas points out that different studies have focused on different CBT techniques and people with different symptoms. Overall modest benefits of CBT for schizophrenia may conceal a range of effects of different techniques on different symptoms. This means that it is hard to say how effective CBT will be for treating a particular person with schizophrenia.
• Does CBT cure?

  CBT may improve quality of life but not cure. As schizophrenia is a biological condition CBT should only improve ability to live with schizophrenia. But studies report significant reductions in positive and negative symptoms. This suggests CBT does more than enhance coping. On balance then it may well be that CBT may be a partial cure for schizophrenia.