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Cognitive therapy for psychosis in schizophrenia: an effect size analysis
R A Gould1, K T Mueser, E Bolton
1Psychotic Disorders Program, Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. rgould@partners.org
Schizophrenia Research
|April 11, 2001
Summary
Cognitive therapy (CT) effectively reduces psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients. This meta-analysis shows CT is a beneficial treatment, with patients continuing to improve over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by persistent psychotic symptoms.
- Cognitive therapy (CT) is a potential intervention for managing these symptoms.
- Evidence for CT's efficacy in schizophrenia requires systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of controlled studies on cognitive therapy for schizophrenia.
- To determine the overall effectiveness of CT in reducing psychotic symptoms.
- To assess the long-term effects of CT on symptom reduction.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of seven controlled treatment outcome studies.
- Inclusion of 340 subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- Calculation of effect sizes for treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- A mean effect size of 0.65 for the reduction of psychotic symptoms was observed.
- Follow-up analyses from four studies indicated sustained gains (ES=0.93) over time.
- Cognitive therapy demonstrates a significant positive impact on psychotic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for persistent psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.
- Patients receiving CT show continued improvement, suggesting lasting benefits.
- Further research should focus on standardization, clinical significance, and patient selection for CT in schizophrenia.