Psychological treatments

Question 1

What is CBT?

Answer 1

• A method of treating mental disorders based on both cognitive and behavioral techniques.
• It wouldn’t eliminate the symptoms of SZ but allows people to cope better with them

Question 2

How does CBT work?

Answer 2

• It can help a client make sense of their irrational cognitions (eg: delusions, hallucinations.)
• Therapist educates them on their symptoms whilst identifying triggers and finding strategies to treat their symptoms.
• Delusions can be challenged by the process of reality testing, examining the likelihood that the beliefs are true

Question 3

What is family therapy?

Answer 3

• A psychological therapy carried out with family members with the aim of improving communication within the family and reducing stress.

Question 4

How does family therapy work?

Answer 4

• Pharoah et al (2010) identified strategies therapists use.
• Aims to reduce expressed emotions (anger, guilt) which create stress.
• Family has to agree on the aims of therapy and try improve family belief about and behavior towards SZ. Creates a balance between caring for the individual and maintaining their own life.

Question 5

CBT Strength: evidence of effectiveness

Answer 5

• Sameer Jauhar (et al.) reviewed 34 studies of using CBT with SZ, concluding there is clear evidence for small but significant effects on both positive/negative symptoms.
• Maria Pontillo (et al.) found reductions in frequency and severity of auditory hallucinations.
• Clinical advice from NICE recommend CBT for SZ.
• Research and clinical experience supports benefits of CBT for SZ.

Question 6

CBT Weakness: quality of evidence

Answer 6

• Neil Thomas points out different studies have involved the use of different CBT techniques
• People have different combinations of positive and negative symptoms.
• Overall benefits of CBT for SZ conceals a wide variety of effects of different CBT techniques on different symptoms.
• Individual differences, cant establish effectiveness

Question 7

FT Strength: benefits all family members.

Answer 7

• Therapy isn’t only for the identified patient, but also for families that provide the bulk of care.
• Strengthening the function of a whole family lessens the negative effect of SZ on other family members and strengthens ability of family to support the patient.
• Has wide benefits beyond the obvious positive impact on identified patient.

Question 8

FT weakness: does not address psychological needs of the person

Answer 8

• It does not address the specific needs of the individual.
• A person may be having hallucinations/delusions not necessarily caused by family dynamics.
• May need medical treatment or more specific therapies like CBT.
• Not enough on it’s own to manage the illness effectively.