L7 CBT for SZ

Question 1

What kind of CBT is given to SZ sufferers?

Answer 1

• CBTp - NICE refers to this as cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis
• This was used to treat residual symptoms that persist despite the use of antipsychotic medication

Question 2

How many sessions of CBT are recommended and what is the aim?

Answer 2

• 16 sessions are recommended by NICE
• Aim is to help people establish links between their thoughts, feelings or actions and their symptoms and general level of functioning

Question 3

What are the stages of CBT in treating SZ?

Answer 3

Assessment
Engagement
ABC model
Normalisation
Critical Collaborative Analysis
Developing Alternative Explanations

Question 4

What are strengths of CBT in treating SZ? (2)

Answer 4

Clinician skills
A more ethical approach

Question 5

Clinician skills (+)

Answer 5

• Found clinicians tend to be highly trained and effective
• Most experienced ones are able to deliver CBT, CBTp because they need to show empathy and unconditional positive regard

Question 6

A More Ethical Approach (+)

Answer 6

• With CBT as an approach the patient may feel more in control of the treatment with the self-help elements of the therapy
• This is better than drugs as the patient feels less of a ‘chemical straight jacket’ and does not have averse side effects that can affect their body
• The patient therefore feels as though they have more free will

Question 7

• What are weaknesses of CBT in treating SZ? (3)

Answer 7

More Expensive
Research (access to CBTp)
Does not work for people who refused drugs

Question 8

Does not work for people who refused drugs (-)

Answer 8

• If a patient has already refused drug therapy CBT does not become a viable treatment
• If they had refused drug treatment they often are more disturbed and suffer fatal symptoms
• This makes it hard for them to participate in CBT, as they cannot self-reflect, showing how drug therapy acts as a mandatory first step for recovery

Question 9

More Expensive (-)

Answer 9

• CBT is more expensive than antipsychotic drugs
• In terms of money, the NHS might be more willing to issue medication to SZ patients rather than CBT
• This is more beneficial to the economy as the costs are much cheaper for drugs rather than therapy

Question 10

Research (access to CBTp) (-)

Answer 10

• Research found that CBTp was not offered enough to SZ patients in the UK
• Many SZ patients do not attend the CBT sessions even if they are offered
• Found only 1 in 10 patients have access to CBTp in some parts of the UK