Psychological Therapies for Schizophrenia Flashcards
(17 cards)
AO3 (1) psychological therapies for schizophrenia
— None of the three psychological therapies above actually treat the patient and ‘cure’ their
schizophrenia. Instead, these therapies simply improve their quality of life through making the
symptoms more manageable. For example, token economies increase the likelihood that the patients
act in accordance with hospital rules and breaks disruptive patterns of behaviour, whilst family
therapies reduce stress within a schizophrenic family and so increase the likelihood of the patient
complying with their medical advice, whereas CBT improves the patient’s understanding of their
symptoms. This suggests that an interactionist approach towards treatment is best adopted:
biological therapies can treat the distal causes of SZ, whilst psychological therapies can treat the
proximal symptoms!
AO3 (2) psychological therapies for schizophrenia
— There are serious ethical issues associated with the use of psychological therapies, and specifically
concerning token economies. For example, some may argue that the ‘privileges’ that patients receive
upon displaying appropriate behaviours are actually rights. Preventing patients from calling home or
exercising outside may increase their stress and so aggravate their condition further. In addition,
patients with the most severe SZ may find it near impossible to comply with these rules, and so will
bear the most negative consequences. Similarly, CBT raises ethical issues because the therapist
essentially has control over the patient’s views. This means that by challenging the idea of a Mafia as a
controlling government instead, for example, the therapy is infiltrating into the patient’s personal
beliefs. These changes can be anything, and not always beneficial.
AO3 (3) psychological therapies for schizophrenia
+ There are alternative psychological therapies which may address the issues above, such as the use
of art therapy, as suggested by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. This provides
the patients with a creative outlet which reduces stress but does not require changing the patient’s
beliefs (as is the case with CBT) or discriminate against severely ill patients (as is the case with token
economies). Thus, this all suggests that psychological therapies are not appropriate for all patients,
but must be selected according to the type and severity of the patient’s symptoms.
What are the three main psychological therapies for treating schizophrenia?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Token Economy Systems.
What is the aim of CBT in schizophrenia treatment?
To help patients understand and challenge their symptoms (e.g. hallucinations, delusions), improving coping skills.
What is the first step in CBT?
An initial assessment to clarify the patient’s symptoms and issues.
How does CBT help with delusions?
By questioning the reality of beliefs and encouraging alternative explanations.
What example did Turkington et al. (2004) give for CBT’s use in schizophrenia?
Challenging a belief that the Mafia was out to get the patient by offering more rational interpretations.
What is the goal of family therapy in SZ treatment?
To reduce stress and expressed emotion (EE) in the family, lowering relapse risk.
What does family therapy improve?
Family’s understanding, communication, and support for the SZ patient
How does family therapy support recovery?
By encouraging medication adherence, early warning signs recognition, and reducing conflict.
What psychological benefit does it give to families?
Increases self-efficacy and coping mechanisms.
What psychological approach is token economy based on?
Behaviourism – operant conditioning.
How do token economies work?
Tokens are given for displaying target behaviours and exchanged for rewards.
What do tokens act as?
Secondary reinforcers, which can be swapped for primary reinforcers (e.g. privileges).
What are examples of rewards in token economy systems?
Extra TV time, exercise outside, or magazines.
What is the aim of token economies in SZ treatment?
To increase the frequency of desirable behaviours like hygiene, social interaction, or medication adherence.
