Psychological therapies for schizophrenia -A-Level Psychology
Psychological therapies:
CBT:
-takes between 5-20 sessions (groups or individually).
-its aim is to help patients identify irrational thoughts and try to change them.
-helps find coping mechanisms ,doesn’t get rid of the symptoms.
-may involve argument /discussion of how likely the patient’s belief are to be true.
How CBT helps-it helps patients make sense of their delusions and hallucinations and how they impact their feelings and behaviour.Offers psychological explanations for the existence of hallucinations and delusions to help reduce this anxiety.Delusions can be challenged so the patient can learn that their beliefs are not based on reality.
Family therapy:
-takes place with families rather than individual patients.
-aims to improve the quality of communication/interaction between family members.
-most family therapists aim to reduce stress within the family that may contribute to a patient’s risk of relapse.
-aims to reduce levels of expressed emotion.
How family therapy helps-Fiona Pharoah et al.(2010) identified a range of strategies to improve functioning of a family with a member suffering from schizophrenia:
-forming a therapeutic alliance with all family members.
-reduction of anger and guilt in family members.
-reducing stress of caring for someone with schizophrenia.
-help families maintain a balance between caring for the individual with schizophrenia and maintaining their own lives.
Pharoah et al suggested that these strategies work by reducing stress levels and expressed emotion whilst increasing the chances of patients’ complying with medication.So this leads to reduced likelihood of relapse and readmission to hospital.
Token economies:
-are reward systems to manage behaviour of patients with schizophrenia,in particular those who have developed patterns of maladaptive behaviour through institutionalisation.These aim to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Tokens-are given to patients immediately when they have carried out a desirable behaviour that has been targeted for reinforcement.Immediacy of rewards prevents delay discounting.
Rewards-the tokens have no value but can be swapped for more tangible rewards.They are a kind of behavioural therapy based on operant conditioning.Tokens are secondary reinforcers as they only have value once the patient has learned that they can be used to obtain rewards.
Evaluation:
Evidence for effectiveness-Sameer Jauhar et al (2014) reviewed the results of 34 studies of CBT for schizophrenia.They concluded that CBT has a significant but small effect on both positive and negative symptoms.Pharoah et al reviewed evidence for family therapy and concluded that there is moderate evidence to show that family therapy reduces hospital readmission and improves the quality of life for the patient and their families.They noted that different studies had inconsistent findings so the evidence overall for family therapy is weak.
Ethical issues-token economy has be seen to be controversial as privileges and services become more available to patients with mild symptoms and less for those with severe symptoms of schizophrenia that prevent them complying with desirable behaviours,so may suffer discrimination
Psychological therapies for schizophrenia are treatments that focus on improving a person’s mental and emotional well-being through talk therapy or other therapeutic techniques. These therapies aim to help individuals manage symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, and improve their quality of life.
Some examples of psychological therapies for schizophrenia include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, psychoeducation, and social skills training. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors, while family therapy involves working with family members to improve communication and relationships. Psychoeducation focuses on teaching individuals about their illness and how to manage their symptoms, while social skills training helps individuals develop interpersonal and communication skills.
Yes, psychological therapies can be effective for treating schizophrenia. Research has shown that therapies such as CBT and family therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.
Psychological therapies can complement medication for schizophrenia by helping individuals manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being. While medication can help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, psychological therapies can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve their social and interpersonal skills, which can improve their overall quality of life.
There is no known cure for schizophrenia, but psychological therapies can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is important for individuals with schizophrenia to receive ongoing treatment, which may include a combination of medication and psychological therapies.
The cost of psychological therapies can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of therapy, the location of the therapy, and the individual’s insurance coverage. However, there are often low-cost or free resources available for individuals with schizophrenia, such as community mental health clinics and support groups.
You can ask your doctor or mental health provider for a referral to a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia. You can also search online for therapists who specialize in schizophrenia or contact local mental health organizations for recommendations.
While psychological therapies are generally safe and effective, there may be some risks associated with certain types of therapy. For example, some individuals with schizophrenia may experience heightened anxiety or distress during CBT sessions. It is important to work with a qualified mental health professional who can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
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