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Cognitive behavioural therapy for drug-resistant psychosis
P A Garety1, L Kuipers, D Fowler
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cognitive behaviour therapy shows promise for treating drug-resistant psychosis in schizophrenia patients. This pilot study found significant symptom improvement and high engagement in the treatment group.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Drug-resistant psychosis, particularly in schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder, presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Unremitting positive symptoms negatively impact patient quality of life and functional outcomes.
- Existing treatments often have limited efficacy for a subset of patients requiring novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a treatment for drug-resistant psychosis.
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CBT in patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder.
- To inform the design of a larger, longer randomized controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A small controlled trial was conducted.
- Participants received an average of 16 sessions of CBT over a six-month period.
- The study compared outcomes between a treatment group and a control group.
Main Results:
- High rates of engagement in cognitive behaviour therapy were observed.
- The treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in delusional conviction compared to controls.
- Significant improvements were noted in general symptomatology and depression scores for the treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy is a promising intervention for drug-resistant psychosis.
- Further research should explore longer treatment durations and broader therapeutic targets, including social functioning.
- Investigating strategies to enhance the maintenance of therapeutic gains is recommended.