Cognitive therapy for schizophrenia: treatment and dissemination

Although medication is the treatment of choice for schizophrenia, most patients continue to experience exhibit residual symptoms despite compliance. Recent studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders [1]. Results of previous studies suggest that patients treated with CBT, in conjunction with medication, exhibit decreased frequency and severity of delusions, hallucinations and negative symptoms. Finally, CBT has been shown to increase medication compliance in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Speaking of the outcome data on CBT, Weiden was recently quoted as saying, "if this were a patented drug trial, you would have heard about [these findings]" [2]. Despite the empirical evidence supporting the use of CBT in patients with schizophrenia, this treatment is relatively unknown to the psychiatric community. This article will review the mechanisms and findings associated with CBT and schizophrenia, and suggest future directions for dissemination in the psychiatric community.