CBT - Schizophrenia

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

One major symptom of schizophrenia is disordered thinking therefore CBT aims to alter the way in which schizophrenics think, to help them manage and organise their disordered thinking.

Question 2

CBTp

Answer 2

CBTp aims to alter the way in which the patients think to help them manage that disorder thinking. It cannot prevent delusions or hallucinations but it can help the patient understand them and cope with their episodes for example it may help them correctly attribute the source of voices and challenge false beliefs that underpin delusions. By doing this, it can empower them to be more confident and increase independence which could tackle their negative symptoms as well

Question 3

Components of CBTp

Answer 3

The first component of CBTp is assessment. This is where the client and therapist meet for the first time. The client explains the experiences and symptoms to the therapist as well as that goals and expectations of established therapy. The second component of CBTp engagement. This provides a client with the opportunity to talk at length about their worries and symptoms. The therapist will then try to develop a rapport with the client. This includes the therapist empathise with the patient’s perspectives and feelings. The client and the therapist will then discuss copy and strategies they are currently using ( which allows client to appreciate their role in this). The third component is psychoeducation/normalisation. This is where the therapist normalises the experiences of psychotic symptoms offering alternative explanations for their symptoms. By doing this, it helps increase the clients understanding of the context, it also helps the therapist to access the schizophrenic understanding of their symptoms.

Question 4

Cognitive Strategies

Answer 4

There are many cognitive strategies in this process. For example, relapse prevention. This involves the therapist and client identifying early warning indicators of relapse for example identifying thoughts, feelings and behaviours they experience before they became unwell. When biscuits sonic identifies their relationship with other others from their the therapist and client can build a plan to use when they notice certain indicators. Another cognitive strategy is skills training. This involves behavioural strategies like relaxation and pleasant activity scheduling where problem-solving is taught. These tragedies can be employed to cope with residual symptoms that are not managed by medication.