outline and evaluate psychological treatments for schizophrenia

Question 1

outline CBT

Answer 1

anti-psychotics are usually prescribed first to reduce presence of symptoms

structured & time-limited: 5-20 weekly sessions of around 50 minutes

early CBT sessions involve identifying patients beliefs (e.g. delusions)

therapist tries persuading patient distorted thinking/maladaptive thinking is causing them to withdraw from normal social activities, achieved using ABCDEF chart

idea is to convince patient belief causes consequence, not activating event

Question 2

outline family therapy

Answer 2

9-12 months w/minimum of 10 sessions w/typically 2 family therapists

getting consent - talking openly so no details are kept confidential, form a therapeutic alliance

learning about disorder - ensures all given relevant info about the diagnosis

learning strategies for better communication - members taught strategies to support each other (e.g. how to deal w/difficult situations in a calm way) & taught how to be effective caregivers

aim: increased tolerance between members, improve communication, help anticipate & solve problems

Question 3

strength CBT

Answer 3

supporting research

the NICE review 2014

found that patients having CBTp spent an average 8-26 days in hospital v those not receiving, demonstrating better attitudes, higher levels of motivation & commitment to recovery

suggesting CBTp is an effective therapy in treating schizophrenia, decreasing hospitalisation

Question 4

limit CBT

Answer 4

refuting research evidence as effectiveness is dependent on stage

Addington & Addington (2005) claimed initial acute phase of schizophrenia, self-reflection on symptoms is not appropriate

however, following stabilisation of symptoms with antipsychotic medication, individuals are more likely to benefit from cbtp

suggests effectiveness is worse for those in deeper stages

Question 5

general peel

Answer 5

there are other alternative treatments

the nice review 2014

suggests art therapy w/qualified art therapist can be more helpful in treating schizophrenic patients w/avolition as it helps increase goal directed behaviours

suggests psychological therapies other than cbt & family therapies may be effective in treating negative symptoms & should be offered to patients

Question 6

family therapy strength 1

Answer 6

supporting research evidence

pilling 2002

conducted meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 1467 participants & found patients who had family members had the smallest no relapses & lowest no hospital readmissions

showing it to be effective