Psychological Treatments Flashcards
Describe cognitive behavioural therapy.
Refer to normalisation, reality testing, critical collaborative analysis, developing alternative explanations
The purpose of CBT sessions is to deal with thoughts and behaviour. They help the patient gain awareness of how their irrational thoughts affect their feelings and behaviours.
For example, the therapist helps the patient realise that auditory hallucinations come from the malfunctioning speech centre in their brain, and that it won’t hurt them. This helps the patient cope with their delusions and function adequately, but does not eliminate the symptoms.
The patients can be taught that their hearing voices are simply an extension of their thoughts, normalising their experience. = NORMALISATION
Their delusions can be challenged by examining whether or not they are realistic. This can also help symptoms of anxiety and depression that accompany schizophrenia. = REALITY TESTING
Gentle Socratic questioning by the therapist to help the patient realise their faulty thinking and illogical conclusions = CCA
Allowing the patient to develop their own explanation for their negative/irrational assumptions as a method of coping = DAE
Describe family therapy.
Refer to the identified patient.
This takes place with the family and the identified patient. This refers to the member of the dysfunctional family who expresses or acts out their conflicts. The aim of the therapy is to improve the communication and interaction between the family members.
Pharoah et al - It helps family members achieve a balance between caring for the individual and maintaining their own lives, it reduces EE - anger and guilt, it improves their ability to anticipate and solve problems and forms a therapeutic alliance.
Evaluate CBT.
Refer to: NICE, engagement, length.
Clinical advice from NICE recommends CBT, it reduces hospital admission rates and relapses
It requires willingness and engagement from the patient as well as a good patient-therapist realtionship. Some patients might struggle with this, and self-awareness due to cognitive deficits
It takes longer for the effects to be seen compared to medication. This is why it is recommended that medication is first given during the acute phase of schizophrenia and then CBT once the major symptoms have subsided.
Evaluate family therapy.
Refer to McFarlane, NICE.
McFarlane: Relapse rate was reduced by over 50% showing effectiveness.
NICE also recommend this, it benefits the family as well and is a cost-effective treatment .
Helps the family cope better.
