psychological therapy for schizophrenia

Question 1

what are the two types of psychological therapy used

Answer 1

• cognitive behaviour therapy
• family therapy

Question 2

explain cognitive behaviour therapy

Answer 2

• takes place in 5-20 sessions either on group or individual basis
• helps a client make sense of their irrational cognitions (delusions/hallucinations). Reduces distress as it makes them less afraid.
• normalization, changes how patients percieve their hallucinations. Tests reality.
  case study: Turklington et al (2004) tested and debated whether a patient thought the mafia was actually following them.

Question 3

explain what family therapy is

Answer 3

• takes place with families as well as identified patient.
• aims to improve quality of communication and interaction between family members

Question 4

how does family therapy help

Answer 4

• Pharoah et al. (2010)
• reduces negative emotions
• improves famillies ability to help

Question 5

what did Burbach do

Answer 5

• 2018 proposed a model for working with famillies with schizophrenia
• begins by sharing basic information and providing emotional/practical support
• identifies resources like what different family members can/cant offer
• encourages mutual understanding, creating safe space for family members to express their feelings.
• skills training
• prevents relapse in future.

Question 6

how does therapy link to approaches

Answer 6

• the social learning theory
• children internalise behaviours they learn from parents via observation and the mediational processes involved

Question 7

give the strengths to this

Answer 7

• CBT has been tried and tested. Means treatment has good validity.
• benefits the economy as patient feels less alone and will rely less on externa people/institutions for support. Means they will be able to go to work more

Question 8

explain the limitations

Answer 8

• not everyone is suited to CBT as scz exists on a spectrum. May not be suitable for symptoms that are mild or easily managed.
• family therapy may actually worsen someone’s symptoms if they feel they are being forced to interact with or depend on people who are emotionally destructive e.g. family dynamic is too toxic but patient may not be able to express or admit to a health professional.