Cognitive behaviour therapy Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the goal of CBT for schizophrenia?
To help patients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and develop better coping strategies
How does CBT help with hallucinations?
By helping patients reframe their beliefs about the voices (e.g., understanding they are not real)
Which symptoms does CBT primarily target?
Positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations
What technique is used to test delusional beliefs?
Reality testing or behavioral experiments
What is cognitive restructuring in CBT?
Replacing irrational thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones
What is the role of the therapist in CBT?
To act as a guide and partner in helping the patient explore their thoughts and challenge faulty beliefs
How can CBT help with negative symptoms?
By encouraging goal-setting, activity scheduling, and motivation
What is normalisation in CBT for schizophrenia?
Explaining that hearing voices or having unusual thoughts can happen to many people, reducing stigma and anxiety
How long does a typical course of CBT for schizophrenia last?
About 5–20 sessions over several months
What is a limitation of CBT for schizophrenia?
It requires engagement and insight, which not all patients have, especially during acute episodes
What is the main goal of family therapy for schizophrenia?
To reduce levels of expressed emotion (EE) and improve communication within the family
What symptoms is family therapy especially helpful with?
Preventing relapse and improving medication adherence
What are the components of family therapy?
Psychoeducation, communication training, problem-solving, and emotional support
What is psychoeducation in family therapy?
Teaching families about schizophrenia, its symptoms, and treatment
How does family therapy reduce relapse rates?
By improving the family environment and reducing conflict and stress
Who typically attends family therapy sessions?
The person with schizophrenia and their close family members.
How long can family therapy last?
3–12 months, with regular sessions
What is a strength of family therapy?
It has evidence showing reduced hospital readmissions and improved medication compliance
What is a limitation of family therapy?
It does not directly reduce symptoms — it supports management and relapse prevention
Why is family therapy cost-effective?
It reduces relapse and hospitalisation, saving NHS resources
What is a token economy in the context of schizophrenia?
A behavioural therapy that reinforces desirable behaviours using tokens as rewards
Where are token economies most commonly used?
In long-term psychiatric hospitals or institutional settings
What kind of behaviours do token economies aim to improve?
Self-care, social interaction, and participation in activities
What are tokens exchanged for in token economies?
Privileges or desirable items, such as snacks, activities, or extra TV time
