Cognitive behavior therapy for people with schizophrenia

Abstract

This article summarizes the current literature on the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for people with schizophrenia for the primary symptoms of illness, the secondary social impairments, comorbid disorders, and for enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments and services, such as medication and vocational support. Ways in which cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can be incorporated into the current mental health system is suggested. It should be acknowledged that a few recent reviews and studies have called into question the quality of the evidence or the true effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders and comorbid conditions.

Keywords: CBT for schizophrenia; Cognitive behavioral therapy; inference chaining; psychotherapy for schizophrenia; schizophrenia plus comorbid conditions.