Methods of modifying behaviour - non biological therapy - CBT

Question 1

Non biological therapy for Sz

Answer 1

• the treatment can help people with Sz to cope better with major symptoms of Sz like disordered thinking, hallucinations or delusions
• means the goal is not to cure but to improve the persons ability to function independently, manage their symptoms and reduce day to day stress

Question 2

What does CBT do?

Answer 2

• replaces cognitive and disordered thinking with thoughts that are more constructive and in line with reality
• the aims of this therapy is to challenge and modify delusional beliefs — done by helping the patient to identify these delusions and challenge them by looking at evidence
• most people require between 8-20 sessions of CBT over the space of 6-12 months

Question 3

CBT strategies

Answer 3

engagement strategies - developing a trusting relationship
psychoeducation - gaining insight and understanding
cognitive strategies ( e.g homework) - challenging false beliefs
behavioural skills training - challenging maladaptive behaviour
relapse prevention strategies - managing mental health in the long term

Question 4

Evaluation of CBT

Answer 4

• research evidence
  sensky et al (2000)
• specific cognitive techniques for positive symptoms of Sz were used in the experimental condition
  e.g questioning beliefs
  helping to change beliefs
  taught coping strategies

Befriending condition
- the patients had the same time allocation as the CBT condition
- the therapists we’re empathetic and non directive
- there was no attempt at therapy

• found that both interventions had resulted in significant short term reductions in positive and negative symptoms
  however a 9 month follow up showed that patients who had received cognitive therapy showed greater improvement on all 3 measures while the befriending condition had lost some of the benefits

Question 5

Evaluation of CBT 2

Answer 5

Tarrier et al found a significant reduction in positive symptoms compared to patients on a waiting list for treatment, the improvement was still there after 6 months

• effectiveness and appropriateness
  most effective when Sz is diagnosed early (much more optimistic prognosis
  much more effective when combined with drug therapy (in providing insight and awareness to aid relapse prevention

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

• CBT is effective in teaching patient strategies to cope with symptoms in the long term not just during therpay
• patients become more self reliant without the need of a therapist

Question 7

Sample question - Explain how CBT may help manage her symptoms

Answer 7

3 paragraphs
1 - what is CBT? name CBT strategies
2 - using CBT to modify Sz behaviour
3 - effectiveness and appropriateness of CBT