Psychological therapies for Schizophrenia Flashcards
What are the three main psychological therapies for SZ?
Cognitive behaviour therapy, Family therapy, Token economies
What is the main psychological treatment for SZ?
CBT
What is the idea behind using CBT to treat schizophrenia?
That beliefs expectations and cognitive assessments of self, the environment and the nature of personal problems affects how individuals perceive themselves and others, how problems are approached and how successful people are in coping and reaching goals
How is CBT structured as a treatment to schizophrenia?
Takes place over a period of 5-20 sessions either in groups or individually
What is done first before CBT to treat schizophrenia?
They prescribe the patient antipsychotic drugs so that CBT can be more effective
After drugs are prescribed what is the process of using CBT to treat schizophrenia?
CBT is undertaken around once every 10 days for 12 sessions to identify rational thinking. Drawings are often used to display links between sufferers thoughts
What is a type of CBT approach?
Personal Therapy (PT)
What does Personal Therapy involve?
Detailed evaluation of problems and experiences their triggers and consequences and strategies being used to cope with
What are cognitive techniques developed between patients and therapists in treating SZ?
- Understanding their irrational cognitions - Distractions from intrusive thoughts - Challenging the meaning of intrusive thoughts - Increasing/Decreasing social activity - Normalisation - Using relaxation techniques - Positive self talk
Why is the cognitive technique of understanding how their irrational cognitions impact their feelings and behaviour?
Helps them make sense of where their symptoms come from (especially for auditory hallucinations) as it helps them cope
How can the meaning of intrusive thoughts be challenged?
Through reality testing
How is normalisation used as a cognitive technique to treat SZ?
conveying to patients that many people have unusual experiences such as hallucinations and delusions helps to reduce anxiety and any sense of isolation. This reduces alienation stigmatisation and increases hope for recovery
How else is PT used in SZ patients except from treatment?
Helps tackle problems faced by schizophrenics discharged from hospital taking place in small groups or as one to one therapy. Patients are taught to recognise small signs or relapse
What are the strengths of CBT as a psychological treatment for SZ?
Evidence to support its efficiency, Jauhar
What research evidence is there to show the efficiency of CBT in treating SZ?
Jauhar et al (2014), Pontillo et al (2016)
What did Jauhar et al. (2014) find?
In reviewing 34 studies of using CBT with SZ found there is evidence for small but significant effects on positive and negative symptoms
What did Pontillo et al. (2016) find?
Found reductions in frequency and severity of auditory hallucinations
Addington and Addington (2005)
Claims in the initial acute phase of SZ self reflection isnโt appropriate however after stabilisation or psychotic symptoms patients can benefit from group based CBT which can normalise their experience by meeting similar individuals
What are the weaknesses of CBT as a psychological treatment for SZ?
- Lack of availability of CBT and refusal to attend, Haddock
How is there a lack of availability of CBT and refusal to attend sessions?
It is estimated that in the UK only one in ten individuals SZ have access to CBT
Haddock et al (2013)
In a survey they found that in NW England 13/187 patients (7%) had been offered CBT
Freeman et al (2013)
(From Haddockโs survey) a significant number of the 7% offered CBT for schizophrenia refuse or fail to attend the therapy sessions
What are the problems with meta-analysis of CBT in treating SZ?
There is a failure to take into account the quality of the studies leading to unreliable meta analysis conclusions