Non-Biological Treatment SZ - CBT

Question 1

Non-Biological Treatment CBT

Answer 1

A form of therapy combining a cognitive approach with learning theory concepts which aim to change behaviour.

Question 2

What does CBT aim to do with irrational thoughts and how does it do it?

Answer 2

CBT aims to identify irrational thoughts and try to change them.

Reducing stress of situations by altering how they think and feel can help prevent decompensation

Therapist builds self-awareness by helping them understand more about the condition. This allows them to identify what causes

Question 3

Delusions and CBT

Answer 3

CBT can help SZ patients to make sense of how their delusions and hallucinations impact their feelings and behaviour.

If i client hears voices and believes they are demons, they will be afraid. Offering non-bio explanations for these can help reduce the anxiety.

Question 4

Behavioural Experiments ‘reality testing’ CBT

Answer 4

D+H can be combatted by verbally challenging the clients’ perceived reality.

Reality testing is where they client tests whether the delusions are real.

Evidence collected from experiments can be discussed and used to debunk erroneous beliefs, helping to show the individual the difference between confirmed and perceived

Question 5

Behavioural Activation CBT

Answer 5

SZ associated with motivational deficits like social withdrawal and lack of enjoying previously enjoyed activities.

By rewarding positive behaviours these may be reduced.

Question 6

Supporting Study CBT SZ

Answer 6

NICE conducted a meta-analysis in 2014 that showed that CBT was effective in reducing re-hospitalisation rates for up to 18 months for people with SZ, and also reduced the time spent in hospital.
Also showed that CBT reduced symptom severity and improved psychosocial functioning at the end of treatment and 12 months later.

Question 7

Against Study for CBT

Answer 7

Evidence to suggest it doesn’t reduce symptoms or prevent relapse.

Peter McKenna and David Kingdon compared CBT with routine treatment or a control non-biological intervention and found that CBT was only superior in 2/9 of the trials.

Suggests it may not be as effective as NICE report suggests.

Question 8

Competing Argument Against Peter and David

Answer 8

Meta analyses only use quantitative data, this overlooks the unique experiences of people in therapy.

William Bradshaw’s case study takes an idiographic approach and demonstrates a strong therapeutic alliance over months can support process of personal recovery. CBT can have value.