[Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis.]

Although neuroleptic medication is clearly effective, there is still an important role for psychological interventions for people with psychosis. Figures vary, but it can be estimated that between one quarter and one half of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia experience persistent symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, which cause distress and interference with functioning, despite taking medication (Fowler et al. 1995). Relapse occurs commonly even amongst patients who do adhere to medication regimes, and many people are reluctant to take long-term medication, because of its unpleasant and even disabling side-effects. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing cognitive behavioural therapy for those people with psychosis who continue to experience psychotic symptoms despite ongoing treatment with anti-psychotic medication. Cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis seeks to address directly those patterns of behaviour, thinking and emotional response which underpin and maintain severe and chronic delusions and hallucinations.