CBT APPLIED TO SCHIZOPHRENIA
Cognitive explanations of schizophrenia focus on understanding how faulty cognitive processes—such as attention deficits, memory problems, and disorganised thinking—contribute to the disorder's symptoms. They provide a theoretical framework that describes how these cognitive impairments may lead to both positive and negative symptoms. In contrast, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical therapeutic approach that applies these cognitive insights to help patients manage their symptoms. While cognitive explanations aim to explain why the symptoms occur, CBT focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviours to improve the individual's quality of life. Essentially, cognitive explanations provide the understanding, while CBT offers the treatment
In the following essay, CBT will be discussed generically. . In other words, it will explained in broad terms without going into specific variations, techniques, or case-specific applications. The discussion will focus on general principles, rather than detailing how CBT is tailored to individual cases.
CBT is an intervention for changing both thoughts and behaviour, representing an umbrella term for many different therapies that share the common aim of changing both cognitions and behaviour.
OVERVIEW OF CBT
Cognitive psychologists focus on how people perceive, anticipate, and evaluate events rather than the events themselves. For example, consider how someone perceives exams. It is not the exam itself that causes anxiety or stress, but how the individual anticipates and evaluates the experience of taking the exam. If someone holds optimistic or realistic cognitions, they are more likely to approach exams with a healthy mindset, even in the face of failure.
The central premise of CBT is that cognitions influence behaviour: healthy cognitions result in adaptive behaviour, while faulty cognitions lead to maladaptive behaviours, emotions, and perceptions. This concept is sometimes referred to as a self-fulfilling prophecy — the idea that "you are what you think." In other words, the way individuals think about themselves and the world around them significantly impacts how they feel and behave.
Ultimately, CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps patients recognise and challenge distorted thinking patterns and beliefs. Through guided questioning and self-reflection, patients learn to replace these unhealthy thoughts with more constructive ways of thinking and behaving. By addressing both the cognitive and behavioural aspects of their issues, individuals can develop healthier responses to the challenges they face in daily life.
COGNITIVE BIASES AND NEGATIVE SCHEMAS IN MENTAL ILLNESS
Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect how we perceive and interpret situations. These distorted thought patterns often lead to negative emotions and behaviours, contributing to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. When a person consistently interprets their experiences through a distorted lens, they are more likely to develop negative self-beliefs and maladaptive behaviours.
Negative schemas are deeply ingrained negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world. These schemas are often formed in childhood and are activated by stressful life events. For example, someone with a negative schema might believe they are unlovable or inadequate, and cognitive biases reinforce these negative beliefs. Together, cognitive biases and negative schemas create a cycle of distorted thinking that worsens mental health conditions, making them a key focus in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS (COGNITIVE BIASES)
ALL-OR-NOTHING THINKING (BLACK-AND-WHITE THINKING)
Viewing situations in extremes with no middle ground. For example, thinking "If I fail at one thing, I’m a complete failure." This type of thinking contributes to feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth.OVERGENERALISATION
Drawing broad conclusions from a single negative event. For instance, after one rejection, a person might believe, "I will always fail." Overgeneralisation reinforces negative self-schemas and leads to persistent negative beliefs.MENTAL FILTER
Focusing solely on a negative aspect of a situation while ignoring all positives. This bias leads to a distorted, overly negative view of the world, contributing to depression and anxiety.DISQUALIFYING THE POSITIVE
Rejecting positive experiences or accomplishments by insisting they “don’t count.” For example, dismissing compliments or successes by saying, "I was just lucky." This bias prevents people from internalising positive feedback, reinforcing negative beliefs.JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS
Making assumptions without evidence. This includes:Mind Reading: Believing you know what others are thinking, often assuming it’s negative.
Fortune Telling: Predicting negative outcomes without any real evidence. Both lead to increased anxiety and self-doubt.
MAGNIFICATION (CATASTROPHISING) AND MINIMISATION
Exaggerating problems or failures (magnification) while downplaying achievements (minimisation). For example, thinking "This small mistake will ruin everything!" Magnification contributes to anxiety, while minimisation fuels feelings of inadequacy.EMOTIONAL REASONING
Believing that if you feel something, it must be true. For example, "I feel guilty, so I must have done something wrong." Emotional reasoning can intensify feelings of depression and anxiety.SHOULD STATEMENTS
Using rigid "should" or "must" statements to create unrealistic expectations. For example, "I should never make mistakes." These statements lead to guilt, frustration, and a sense of failure.LABELLING AND MISLABELLING
Attaching negative labels to oneself or others based on a single event. For example, calling yourself "a failure" after a setback. This distortion reinforces negative schemas and contributes to feelings of worthlessness.PERSONALISATION
Blaming yourself for events outside your control, or taking excessive responsibility for negative outcomes. For example, believing "It’s all my fault" when things go wrong. Personalisation leads to guilt and anxiety, often reinforcing negative self-schemas.
These cognitive distortions not only distort how we see ourselves and the world but also fuel negative schemas, deepening mental health issues. By identifying and challenging these biases through CBT, individuals can break the cycle of negative thinking and develop healthier thought patterns.
PERSONALISED AND COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
CBT is highly collaborative. At the start of each session, the therapist and client create a session agenda to decide what will be discussed. Together, they also study the client’s symptoms and explore potential triggers and solutions, identifying what worsens or alleviates symptoms. A crucial part of CBT is homework, where the client practices a skill learned during the session in real-life situations between appointments.
SPECIALISED TECHNIQUES
The CBT therapist uses a variety of specialised techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts (or “cognitions”) and teaches them skills to modify these maladaptive cognitions over time. For example, a client who feels worthless might work on identifying this thought, questioning its validity, and replacing it with more balanced and rational beliefs.
In addition to cognitive restructuring, the therapist helps the client evaluate their current coping strategies for managing stress, paranoia, voices, depression, or anxiety. Through a process of trial and error, the therapist and client optimise coping strategies, determining what works best and adjusting accordingly.
THE PAST OR PRESENT ?
CBT presumes that a person’s symptoms are not random or purely “biological” in nature but are closely related to their psychology and personal experiences, often carrying significant meaning. For instance, CBT theory suggests that if a person hears voices telling them they are a terrible person, it is not a random occurrence. This may be tied to past experiences where the person was told they were worthless, and their current voices are a reflection of their internal struggle with feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness.
CBT APPLIED TO SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and negative symptoms (e.g., lack of motivation). CBT can help individuals manage distressing symptoms and improve overall functioning.
CBT for schizophrenia is tailored to address the specific challenges posed by the condition, especially in relation to delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (false sensory experiences). Through CBT, individuals can learn to question the validity of their delusions and develop coping strategies to manage hallucinations more effectively.
In short, the aims of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia are to help individuals identify and modify irrational thoughts, manage symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, and improve overall functioning. Below are key CBT techniques and goals specific to schizophrenia:
KEY CBT TECHNIQUES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Challenging Delusional Beliefs: CBT encourages individuals to critically assess their delusions by testing the reality of their beliefs, a process known as reality testing. For example, someone who believes they are being followed may work with the therapist to evaluate evidence for and against this belief, eventually leading to a more balanced and realistic understanding.
Evaluating the Context of Delusions and Hallucinations: Patients are encouraged to trace back their symptoms, exploring how they developed over time. By understanding the context in which delusions and hallucinations arise, patients can better evaluate the validity of their faulty beliefs and consider ways to test them in reality.
Cognitive Restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging irrational or faulty thoughts. In schizophrenia, cognitive restructuring helps individuals develop more rational interpretations of their experiences. For instance, a patient who believes they are the target of a conspiracy might explore alternative, less distressing explanations with the therapist's guidance.
Behavioural Strategies for Negative Symptoms: Negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and apathy are common in schizophrenia. Behavioural activation is used to encourage individuals to re-engage in enjoyable or meaningful activities. By doing so, the patient may begin to feel more connected to their environment and experience improvements in mood and functioning. For example, setting small behavioural assignments like going for a walk or attending a social event can help combat feelings of isolation.
Coping with Hallucinations: For individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations, CBT teaches specific coping techniques, such as distraction, self-talk, or focusing on external stimuli. For example, a patient hearing voices might drown them out by shouting, turning up the volume on the TV, or engaging in a distracting task. This reduces the emotional impact of the hallucinations and gives the person more control over their responses.
Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia, making delusions and hallucinations more intense or frequent. CBT includes stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, which help individuals manage stress levels and reduce the likelihood of worsening symptoms. A patient might learn relaxation exercises to practise when they feel overwhelmed.
Relapse Prevention: Another key goal of CBT for schizophrenia is to help patients recognise early warning signs of relapse. By identifying triggers and patterns that lead to symptom escalation, patients can use CBT techniques to manage their symptoms before they worsen. For example, recognising increased anxiety or paranoia as a precursor to a relapse allows the patient to implement coping strategies early, reducing the risk of full-blown symptoms.
Recognising Negative Thoughts: CBT teaches patients to identify automatic negative thoughts, which often contribute to distress. For example, a patient might become aware that they consistently think others are out to harm them. Once they recognise this pattern, they can begin to challenge these thoughts and replace them with more balanced alternatives.
Setting Behavioural Assignments: To improve functioning, therapists often assign behavioural tasks that promote social engagement and daily activity. For example, a patient might be tasked with gradually increasing their social interactions or starting new hobbies, thereby improving their general level of functioning.
Developing Coping Strategies: Patients are encouraged to develop alternative, healthier behaviours to replace maladaptive ones. This might involve exploring coping strategies for hallucinations and delusions, such as distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, or positive self-talk (e.g., reassuring oneself that the voices are not real).
Testing the Reality of Delusions: The therapist helps the patient test the reality of delusions by gathering evidence and challenging the belief with facts. For example, the patient may be asked to explore whether there is any tangible proof supporting their belief that someone is constantly watching them.
AN EXAMPLE OF FAULTY COGNITION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
An example of faulty cognition related to paranoia could be be something like this:
A person leaves their local supermarket and notices some men in hoodies and sunglasses walking past the shop. The person immediately thinks, "Those men are a gang and are following me so they can mug me." This perception (cognition) makes them feel threatened and anxious (emotion), so they decide not to return to that shop (behaviour).
As a result of this experience, the person’s paranoia increases, and they begin to avoid other places where they might encounter similar situations. Over time, this leads to further social isolation and distress, reinforcing their belief that they are in constant danger. This example demonstrates how distorted thoughts or beliefs can dictate how a person feels and behaves. The cycle of avoidance, paranoia, and isolation can prevent individuals from achieving personal goals, such as maintaining friendships, keeping a job, or living independently.
Through CBT, this individual would be encouraged to challenge their initial thought—for example, by considering alternative explanations for the men's behaviour, such as them being shoppers themselves. By testing the reality of their belief, the person can start to break the vicious cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours that fuel their paranoia.
AVAILABILITY OF CBT FOR THE TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely used as a treatment for various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, although its frequency of use in schizophrenia treatment specifically can vary depending on several factors such as healthcare systems, availability of trained professionals, and individual patient needs.
In countries with public healthcare systems like the UK, CBT is commonly recommended as part of the NHS treatment guidelines for schizophrenia, particularly for addressing positive symptoms and preventing relapse. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), CBT is recommended for all individuals with schizophrenia, and patients should ideally be offered it alongside antipsychotic medication. However, actual access to CBT can vary based on resource limitations and waiting lists.
In the US, CBT is also used frequently, but its accessibility may depend on insurance coverage and the availability of CBT-trained therapists. The use of CBT for schizophrenia is endorsed by treatment guidelines, but medication tends to be more commonly emphasised in routine care.
Globally, CBT usage for schizophrenia varies, with its application being more common in countries that have incorporated psychosocial interventions into their treatment models. However, in low-resource settings, CBT may be less commonly used due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals and reliance on pharmacological treatments
EVALUATION OF CBT IN THE TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been a staple in the treatment of various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Its use in schizophrenia, however, remains controversial due to mixed evidence about its effectiveness, particularly concerning positive versus negative symptoms. This evaluation will explore both the strengths and limitations of CBT for schizophrenia based on current research.
STRENGTHS OF CBT FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
CBT is distinct from other psychotherapies in that it is highly structured, collaborative, and typically short-term, depending on the client’s needs. The treatment is often problem-oriented and prescriptive, where individuals actively engage as collaborators. The short duration, typically 5-20 weeks, also makes CBT attractive to insurance companies.
Researchers widely consider CBT to be an evidence-based, cost-effective treatment that can be applied to various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. CBT emphasises enhancing self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to manage symptoms and perform tasks effectively.
RESEARCH ON CBT'S EFFECTIVENESS
Some positive research findings include:
Efficacy in Reducing Positive Symptoms: CBT has been shown to be moderately effective in reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. Early studies, such as those by Kuipers et al. (1997) and Drury et al. (1996), indicated that when combined with medication, CBT could result in significant reductions in positive symptoms, with recovery times also being shortened.
Here’s a concise list of studies showing CBT's effectiveness for schizophrenia:
Kuipers et al. (1997): Found that CBT, combined with standard care, significantly reduced the severity of positive symptoms in schizophrenia patients.
Drury et al. (1996): Demonstrated that CBT can reduce both the intensity of positive symptoms and hospital stays for individuals with schizophrenia.
Sensky et al. (2000): Showed that CBT was more effective than befriending therapy in reducing positive and negative symptoms, with benefits maintained at a 9-month follow-up.
Wykes et al. (2008): A meta-analysis confirming that CBT was moderately effective in reducing positive symptoms, particularly delusions and hallucinations, in schizophrenia.
Jauhar et al. (2014): A meta-analysis showed small but significant effects of CBT on positive symptoms in schizophrenia, though the effect size was debated.
Zimmermann et al. (2005): Found that CBT was effective in reducing positive symptoms in acute schizophrenic episodes.
Morrison et al. (2004): Demonstrated that CBT could reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms, even in individuals who had not responded well to medication
CBT has been somewhat effective in addressing positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, but this leads to the suggestion that schizophrenia may encompass different disorders if treatments are only effective for one set of symptoms
LIMITATIONS AND CRITICISMS OF CBT FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
CBT'S EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATING SCHIZOPHRENIA
One of the primary challenges with CBT for schizophrenia is that it depends on a strong, collaborative relationship between patient and practitioner, which may be unattainable for patients with positive symptoms, particularly if unmedicated. During acute psychotic episodes, where dopamine levels are elevated, patients may struggle to respond to therapy due to delusions, paranoia, and attention deficits. Many clinicians now recommend stabilising symptoms with antipsychotic medication before initiating CBT to ensure patients are lucid enough to engage meaningfully in therapy.
NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS:
While some CBT studies have reported some benefit for positive symptoms, its impact on negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal, lack of motivation, anhedonia) is much less clear. In their meta-analysis, Jauhar et al. (2014), found that CBT did not significantly improve negative symptoms, highlighting a major gap in its effectiveness. Given that negative symptoms are often more debilitating in the long term, this limitation reduces CBT’s overall utility for many patients with schizophrenia.
Some researchers suggest that CBT may only be effective when patients are medicated, raising questions about the true value of psychological therapies if they require medication for comprehension.
CHALLENGES IN ASSESSING CBT'S EFFECTIVENESS WHEN USED WITH DRUG THERAPY
A common critique of studies examining CBT for schizophrenia is that many involve concurrent drug therapy, making it difficult to discern which treatment—CBT or medication—is responsible for improvements. Many therapists recommend using drug therapy in conjunction with CBT, so isolating the effects of CBT alone is often not feasible. This complicates attempts to assess whether CBT offers any added value beyond the stabilising effects of medication. When patients show improvement, it is often unclear whether this is due to CBT, the medication, or a combination of both..
IS CBT ACTUALLY EFFECTIVE: The long-term benefits and findings of CBT have been questioned. While CBT has been shown to reduce symptom severity in the short term, several studies, including those by Lynch et al. (2009) and Jones et al. (2018), have found that these gains are not always sustained at follow-up. Laws et al. (2018) reported that the small therapeutic effects of CBT on functioning and distress were not maintained over time, suggesting that while CBT can provide temporary relief, it may not be sufficient as a standalone long-term intervention.
While CBT is rooted in a scientific approach, with a focus on measurable outcomes, recent criticisms question its scientific credibility in treating schizophrenia. Butler et al. (2006) argue that CBT for schizophrenia often fails to meet the rigorous standards expected in clinical trials, particularly when compared to other therapies or non-specific control interventions.
In a meta-analysis of studies on CBT for schizophrenia, Butler et al. (2006) found that CBT was no more effective than general control treatments in managing schizophrenia. Additionally, it did not significantly reduce the relapse rates of the disorder The meta-analysis highlighted that previous research often used inadequately delivered psychological treatments and poor control conditions. Butler remarked: “We have seen a flood of articles suggesting that antidepressants are no better than placebo. But the same is true with CBT and schizophrenia.
This finding was also supported by the meta-analysis by Lynch et al. (2009) who reached the same conclusion about CBT in schizophrenia and Dickerson (2000) reviewed 20 studies on CBT and schizophrenia, concluding that the effects of CBT were less pronounced when compared to other psychological treatments that matched the therapy time.
In a press release from June 26, 2009, it was concluded that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) had no significant value in treating schizophrenia. The analysis, led by researchers from the University of Hertfordshire, found that CBT showed limited efficacy, especially in addressing the core symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.
These criticisms raise questions about whether CBT is being overly depended upon, given its modest effect sizes and the potential for bias in earlier studies
IS CBT FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA SCIENTIFICALLY CREDIBLE?
While some studies demonstrate positive outcomes, the lack of consistency across studies and the diversity of treatment protocols suggest that CBT, as it is currently applied to schizophrenia, may lack the precision and replicability required for strong scientific validation
Why is the research on CBT as a therapy so mixed. Researchers like Butler believe that this is because CBT as a treatment for schizophrenia is neither standardised nor valid. For example:
Having a schizophrenia diagnosis encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals who differ significantly in terms of symptom presentation, number of hospital admissions, response to medication, self-esteem, depression, suicidality, social support, and more this means that samples are not generalisable.
Similarly, CBT is a broad term that refers to a wide variety of interventions. These can range from brief support sessions and psychoeducation to intensive, long-term therapy targeting complex psychological patterns, such as enduring models of self (schemata). The length of CBT can vary widely, from short interventions of 5-10 sessions to longer courses of 20-50 sessions.
The diversity in CBT approaches for schizophrenia poses challenges in evaluating its scientific credibility. There is no single, standardised CBT model for schizophrenia. Instead, different theoretical models underpin various forms of CBT, and the experience and skills of the therapists can differ greatly.
Some studies may not even use accredited CBT therapists, particularly those experienced in working with psychosis. This lack of uniformity in both treatment delivery and theoretical foundations makes it difficult to generalise the effectiveness of CBT for schizophrenia as a whole.
To address the question of whether CBT for schizophrenia has scientific credibility, it is important to recognise that science values replicability, consistency, and controlled variables. In the case of CBT for schizophrenia, the variation in treatment approaches, therapist expertise, and the heterogeneity of patients makes it difficult to establish reliable scientific conclusions about its overall efficacy.
DOES CBT PROVIDE ADDED VALUE COMPARED TO OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS,
CBT has been criticised for focusing predominantly on the present and not exploring an individual’s personal and family history. In disorders like schizophrenia, where recent research points to abuse or trauma as a potential stressor that triggers the disorder, a more comprehensive exploration of past experiences might be critical.
In comparison, Expressed Emotion (EE) therapy—which works with family dynamics and addresses how family interactions influence the patient’s mental state—may focus more holistically on the family history and emotional environment, potentially offering deeper insights into root causes of relapse or distress.
Both therapies can be effective in treating schizophrenia, but CBT has been criticised for its more superficial approach to personal history, compared to therapies that consider family dynamics, emotions, and the long-term interpersonal context.
CULTURAL VARIATIONS
Cultural and Contextual Limitations: Research indicates that schizophrenia has different presentations and outcomes across cultures, with studies from non-Western countries showing better prognoses when family support is high (Kulhara et al., 2009). CBT, as traditionally practised, often overlooks the cultural context of the patient and may not adequately account for family dynamics or community-based interventions that are more prominent in non-Western treatments. This cultural gap suggests that CBT needs to be adapted more flexibly to suit diverse population
ROSE-TINTED VIEWS IN CBT: ADDRESSING REALITY VS. FAULTY THINKING
Another criticism of CBT, particularly in schizophrenia, is that it assumes that negative thoughts are often distorted or irrational and can be "corrected" through therapy. However, some argue that this perspective may be overly optimistic or simplistic, particularly when applied to individuals facing genuine hardships. In cases where a person’s distress is rooted in real-life adversities (e.g., poverty, family conflict, or trauma), the "faulty thinking" model may overlook the fact that some negative thoughts are accurate reflections of reality, not distortions.
CBT’s focus on challenging negative thoughts may sometimes seem out of touch with the harsh realities of a person’s life circumstances. Therapists need to balance recognising the validity of certain negative experiences with helping patients manage their emotional responses to these realities. In schizophrenia, where delusions and hallucinations can blur the line between perception and reality, this task becomes even more complicated, and overly positive reframing may not always be appropriate.
NATURE VERSUS NURTURE AND TREATMENT
When it comes to treating schizophrenia, or any mental health disorder where both biological (nature) and psychological (nurture) factors are involved, treatment should ideally reflect this complexity. Mental health conditions are rarely caused by one factor alone, and schizophrenia, in particular, appears to involve a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological influences. Therefore, an effective treatment plan would likely incorporate both biological and psychological interventions. For instance, treatment can involve antipsychotic medications to address the biological imbalances (e.g., dopamine dysfunction) and psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to address cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
DETERMINISM
One of the core tenets of CBT is the belief in personal agency or free will. It assumes that individuals can exert some control over their thoughts and behaviours and, through structured interventions, can bring about positive change. This optimistic view of human nature is one of CBT’s strengths, offering patients hope that they can improve their mental health through active participation in therapy.
However, this belief in free will also has its downsides. If a patient does not make progress or fails to change their behaviour, the responsibility might be placed on the individual, leading to blame or feelings of guilt. This potential for victim-blaming is a key criticism of CBT, as it may not fully take into account the external factors (e.g., trauma, family dynamics, socio-economic factors) that may be limiting a person’s ability to change.
IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE TREATMENT
Combining CBT with Pharmacotherapy: The majority of studies agree that CBT is most effective when combined with antipsychotic medication. Stabilising patients pharmacologically allows them to engage more effectively in therapy, particularly in addressing positive symptoms. However, the interaction between drug therapy and CBT makes it difficult to assess whether CBT alone can deliver meaningful benefits.
Third-Wave CBT Approaches: New developments in CBT, such as mindfulness-based therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy, are gaining traction as complementary approaches to traditional CBT. These third-wave therapies shift the focus from changing thought content to changing how individuals relate to their thoughts. By incorporating these elements, future iterations of CBT could be more effective, particularly for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Personalised CBT: Future research should focus on personalised treatments, tailoring CBT interventions to specific subgroups of patients based on factors like neurocognitive impairment and the severity of the disorder. Developing manualised treatment protocols that ensure consistency in delivery and therapist training could help standardise CBT’s effectiveness, leading to better outcomes for more patients.
Suggested Reading List and References:
Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17-31.
Jauhar, S., McKenna, P. J., Radua, J., Fung, E., Salvador, R., & Laws, K. R. (2014). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for the symptoms of schizophrenia: Systematic review and meta-analysis with examination of potential bias. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 204(1), 20-29.
Wykes, T., Steel, C., Everitt, B., & Tarrier, N. (2008). Cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia: Effect sizes, clinical models, and methodological rigor. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 34(3), 523-537.
Lynch, D., Laws, K. R., & McKenna, P. J. (2009). Cognitive behavioural therapy for major psychiatric disorder: does it really work? A meta-analytical review of well-controlled trials. Psychological Medicine, 40(1), 9-24.
Morrison, A. P., Renton, J. C., Dunn, H., Williams, S., & Bentall, R. P. (2004). Cognitive therapy for psychosis: A formulation-based approach. Routledge
A01 STYLE QUESTIONS (KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
Cognitive Biases Questions:
Name the cognitive bias in the following scenarios:
A patient believes that if they make one mistake, they are a total failure (1 marks)
A patient believes that because they had one negative experience in social situations, all future interactions will be negative .(1 marks)
A patient fixates on a single detail of an event and interprets the entire experience based on that one detail (1 marks)
QUESTIONS
Use the following questions to help students identify how a person might perceive, anticipate, or evaluate an event based on these cognitive distortions:
Scenario: A student receives one critical comment from a teacher but also receives praise for other aspects of their work.
Question: How might someone using mental filtering perceive this situation? (2 marks)
Scenario: An employee makes a mistake during a presentation.
Question: How would a person engaging in catastrophising anticipate the consequences of this mistake? (3 marks)
Scenario: A friend cancels plans unexpectedly.
Question: How might someone who uses personalisation evaluate this situation? (3 marks)
Scenario: A student gets one low score on an exam after consistently performing well.
Question: How would someone engaging in overgeneralisation perceive their academic future? (3 marks)
Scenario: A person hears that a colleague has been promoted.
Question: How might a person engaging in social comparison perceive their own achievements in comparison? (3 marks)
Scenario: A person gives a presentation at work and receives positive feedback, but one audience member doesn’t seem to pay attention.
Question: How might someone who uses disqualifying the positive interpret this feedback? (2 marks)
Scenario: A student believes they must always achieve top marks in every subject.
Question: How would "should" statements influence how this student perceives their performance if they fall short of perfection? (2 marks)
Scenario: A person is trying to improve their health but misses a single workout session.
Question: How might polarised thinking (black-and-white thinking) affect how they evaluate their commitment to fitness? (2 marks)
Scenario: A person applies for a job but doesn’t get selected for an interview.
Question: How might someone using labelling evaluate themselves after this experience? (2 marks)
Scenario: A group project is completed successfully, but one small part didn't go as planned.
Question: How might a person who uses magnification evaluate the success of the project? (2 marks)
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)? (3 marks) A01
How does CBT address positive symptoms of schizophrenia? (4 marks) A02
Evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in treating schizophrenia, particularly for positive and negative symptoms. (6 marks) A03
To what extent does medication play a role in the success of CBT for schizophrenia? (5 marks) A02
APPLICATION QUESTIONS WITH PROMPTS
For the following scenarios, use the corresponding prompts to answer the application questions:
How would you address EITHER the positive symptoms (delusions or hallucinations) OR the negative symptoms in this case using CBT?
What cognitive restructuring techniques could be used to challenge the individual’s faulty beliefs?
What behavioural strategies could you introduce to address negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, or apathy?
How might medication influence the effectiveness of CBT in this case?
What other challenges do you anticipate when using CBT with this individual, and how might you overcome them?
PROMPTS:
Identify cognitive distortions like black-and-white thinking, catastrophising, or overgeneralisation that might be influencing the patient’s symptoms. How could you help them test the reality of their beliefs?
Consider how behavioural activation could be used to reintroduce meaningful activities into their life to combat negative symptoms.
Focus on how coping strategies could help manage hallucinations or other distressing symptoms.
Reflect on the impact of negative symptoms, such as social isolation or lack of motivation, and how you could help them gradually re-engage in daily activities.
Consider how medication might stabilise symptoms, making the individual more receptive to CBT techniques.
