psychological treatments for SCZ

Question 1

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia

Answer 1

CBT is a psychological treatment aiming to help individuals identify and change distorted thinking patterns. For schizophrenia, it often involves challenging delusions and hallucinations and improving coping strategies.

Question 2

Chadwick et al. (1996) study

Answer 2

Chadwick et al. conducted a study with a patient who believed he had the power to predict the future. Using CBT techniques, they showed the patient numerous instances where his predictions were wrong, leading to a reduction in this delusional belief.

Question 3

Family Therapy for schizophrenia

Answer 3

Family therapy aims to improve communication and reduce conflict within families. It educates family members about schizophrenia, encourages problem-solving, and aims to reduce stress to prevent relapse.

Question 4

Token Economies for schizophrenia management

Answer 4

Token economies are a behavioural therapy used to encourage desirable behaviours in institutional settings. Patients receive tokens for engaging in positive behaviours (e.g., self-care) that can be exchanged for rewards.

Question 5

Ayllon and Azrin (1968) study

Answer 5

Ayllon and Azrin introduced a token economy system in a psychiatric hospital for female patients with schizophrenia. Patients showed significant improvements in self-care and social behaviour when rewarded with tokens that could be exchanged for privileges.

Question 6

Evaluation of CBT for schizophrenia

Answer 6

CBT can reduce symptom severity and improve functioning. However, it may not be effective for all patients, particularly those with severe cognitive impairments or lack of insight into their condition.

Question 7

Evaluation of Family Therapy

Answer 7

Family therapy reduces relapse rates and improves family relationships. However, it requires commitment from all family members and may not be effective if there is resistance.

Question 8

Evaluation of Token Economies

Answer 8

Token economies can improve social and daily living skills. However, they may not have lasting effects once the patient leaves the institutional setting and raise ethical concerns regarding patient autonomy.