Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Question 1

define cognitive behaviour therapy

Answer 1

therapy method based of cognitive AND behavioural techniques

Question 2

how does cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis work? include ABCDE model

Answer 2

• tends to be between 5-20 sessions in groups or individually and is a formation of a trusting relationship between Sz patient and CBT therapist.
• tries to help patient understand some symptoms e.g. paranoid thoughts are more common than they think (normalisation) to reduce anxiety levels
• not activating events (A) but more beliefs on events (B) where distorted beliefs results in negative behaviours and feelings i.e. the consequences (C) so CBTp is used to identify and correct faulty interpretations/beliefs
• therapist uses reality testing (discussing how likely irrational beliefs are to be true) and helping them to consider more rational beliefs (‘dispute’ D) to create awareness on how symptoms e.g. delusions affect their feelings and behaviour to create an ‘effect’ (E) on challenging irrational thoughts and becoming less anxious to have positive affect on behaviour
• encouraged to form coping strategies e.g. listening to auditory hallucinations for 20 mins a day the ignoring for the rest

Question 3

pro: supporting evidence of CBTp

Answer 3

Tarrier(2005)-reviewed 20 studies using CBTp and found reduced + symptoms, lower relapse rates and faster recovery rate for ill patients short term.
Jauhar et al(2014)-reviewed 34 studies using CBTp and found it has a significant but fairly small effect on both +/- symptoms
Shows its an effective method in helping Sz patients control their symptoms.

Question 4

pro: side effects of CBTp

Answer 4

produces no side effects unlike drug therapy so could be more suitable where its more manageable and a better way to improve patients quality of life. e.g. helps improve self-esteem when they realise healthy people can also experience hallucinations/delusions at times.

Question 5

con: drop out rates in CBTp

Answer 5

Tarrier(1993)45% of sample refused to cooperate and dropped out of trial. Could be a result of some patient experiencing symptom avolition so a long therapeutic process isn’t suitable. Therefore, patient must be highly motivated and willing to put the time and effort in for the therapy to be successful. Therefore, not a suitable treatment for all Sz patients and alternative treatments such as drug therapy may be better.

Question 6

con: effectiveness and stage of disorder CBTp

Answer 6

Addington and Addington(2005)-initial phase of Sz, self reflection on symptoms inappropriate, but after stabilising symptoms with usage of antipsychotics, individuals can benefit from group CBT helping normalise the experience with relation to similar issues. Therefore, only useful for certain stages of treatment and may need to be constantly adapted.