Beck discusses CT with psychosis

In the October 1998 edition of the Beck Institute's newsletter Cognitive Therapy Today, Dr. Beck discusses recent developments in the application of CT with schizophrenia. He asserts that recent research shows that adding CT to the treatment of neuroleptic-resistant chronic schizophrenics improves clinical outcomes 25-50% beyond the effects of medication. These treatment gains exceed those produced by alternative psychosocial interventions such as befriending, problem-solving, and supportive counseling.

He notes that the establishment of trust, rapport, and collaboration takes longer when working with schizophrenic patients and that one must move gently in using socratic questioning and empirical testing of beliefs in addressing hallucinations and delusions. However, improvements associated with CT include a reduction in delusions and hallucinations, increases in motivation, increased engagement in social and vocational activities, reduced recovery time, and less time spent in hospital.

Recommended readings:

• Beck, A.T. & Rector, N.A. (in press). Cognitive therapy of schizophrenia. Harvard Mental Health Letter.
• Chadwick, P.D.J., Birchwood, M. & Trower, P. (1996). Cognitive therapy for delusions, voices, and paranoia. New York: Wiley.
• Folwer, D., Garety, P. & Kuipers, E. (1995). Cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis: Theory and practice. New York: Routledge.
• Kingdon, D. & Turkington, D. (1994). Cognitive behavioural therapy of schizophrenia. New York:Guilford.

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Re:Beck discusses CT with psychosis, by Keith Nuechterlein, Ph.D., 09/30/00

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