Psychological treatments: CBT

Question 1

What is CBT ?

Answer 1

• schizophrenia treatment
• takes 5-20 sessions to work
• aims to deal with thoughts and actions

Question 2

How does the ABCDE model structure CBT ?

Answer 2

• restructures the faulty thoughts of patients
• identifies the activating event (A)
• explores the dysfunctional beliefs (B)
• patient recognises the consequences of their beliefs (C)
• Therapists work to dispute the irrational beliefs (D)
• Patient develops a restructured belief as a result of the therapy - creates a more functional lifestyle (E)

Question 3

What strategies are used in CBT ?

Answer 3

• Patient is the scientist - works with the therapist in and outside of therapy to change irrational thoughts
• Normalisation - normalises a patients symptoms - e.g. normalises voices heard as we all have an inner monologue
• Reality testing - disputes how they feel and changes irrational thoughts (reduces distress)
• distraction techniques - helps with coping strategies

Question 4

What is a strength of CBT ?

Answer 4

Effectiveness
- Jauhar
- studied 34 CBT cases
- found small but significant effects on positive and negative symptoms
- shows proof of improving quality of life

Question 5

What are limitations of CBT ?

Answer 5

Practicality
- CBT relies on patients being able to cooperate
- if symptoms are too severe then patient can’t apply themselves and work with the therapist
- means that treatment won’t be effective

Suitability
- certain symptoms may make CBT challenging
- avolition would decrease motivation to be involved in the therapy
- means they won’t be able to get the most out of it as their symptoms prevent them from getting the most out of it