Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia

Search Google for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and you’ll find this: “A type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to alter unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders such as depression.” On the surface, it seems unlikely that this type of therapy would be associated with people suffering from schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder affecting approximately one percent of the world’s population. But it may be an effective supplementary therapy to pharmacological treatment for those with the disorder. Post-hospital care often begins while patients are still in the hospital, and applies the principles of treatment engagement, goal-setting, positive actions and removing roadblocks to recovery (Moran, 2014). It is believed that utilizing these ideas will allow patients to assume more control in their daily lives and allow for a return of functionality where they may previously have lost some. CBT is considered an effective way to apply these principles and teach the patient how to practice them on their own. It is the most universal treatment in addition to medication in the UK, as well as recommended to become a second frontline treatment by the UK National Health Service (Schizophrenia.com, 2014). According to the Beck Institute website (2016), “the goal of CBT is to help people get better and stay better.” The website also explains that the therapy is a platform for the ther...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Cognitive-Behavioral Disorders General Medications Psychotherapy Schizophrenia Treatment Beck Institute Behaviour therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Depression Mental Disorder Mental Health Psychiatry Psychology Psychosis Source Type: news