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Cognitive behaviour therapy for schizophrenia.
C Jones1, I Cormac, J I Silveira da Mota Neto
1School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birminhgam, UK, B15 2TT.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) shows potential for schizophrenia treatment, reducing hospital stays and improving mental state in the medium term. However, evidence for its widespread use remains inconclusive, necessitating further trials.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for schizophrenia, focusing on the link between thoughts, feelings, and distress.
- This review updates previous analyses of CBT's effectiveness in schizophrenia treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of CBT for schizophrenia compared to standard care, medication, other therapies, and no intervention.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on CBT for schizophrenia-like illnesses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials.
- Data extraction and quality assessment by two independent reviewers.
- Analysis of dichotomous and continuous outcomes using intention-to-treat principles.
Main Results:
- CBT combined with standard care did not reduce relapse or readmission but decreased hospital stays (NNT=4).
- CBT improved mental state in the medium term (NNT=4) but effects diminished after one year.
- No consistent effects were observed on continuous mental state measures or compared to supportive psychotherapy.
Conclusions:
- CBT is a promising intervention for schizophrenia, but current evidence is not conclusive for widespread adoption.
- Further high-quality trials are needed, particularly comparing CBT to supportive therapies.
- Future research should focus on clinically meaningful and broadly applicable outcomes.