Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (AO3)
*Effectiveness*
An effective form of treatment - correct answer One of the first major studies of the effectiveness of CBT
to treat sz was conducted by Elizabeth Kuipers et al. (1997). Sixty individuals with sz who each has a
*'positive and distressing symptom that was medication resistant'* were *randomly allocated* to either
a CBT plus standard care condition or a standard care only condition. After nine months of therapy, the
researchers found that there was a change in the psychotic symptoms experiences in the CBT plus
standard care condition; 50% of the participants were considered to have improved with only one
individual becoming worse. In the standard care-only condition, 31% were considered to have improved
with three people becoming worse and another committing suicide. This research suggests that although
the improvements offered by CBT plus standard care may only seem marginal - only 50% benefited - it is
significantly better than standard care only.
*Effectiveness*
Short-Term Effectiveness - correct answer The effectiveness of CBT in treating sz seems to be limited to
studies that have only investigated short-term programmes. Research which has investigated the longer-
term effectiveness of CBT has not been as positive.
*Ethical Implications*
Potentially a negative experience for clients - correct answer Suffering the symptoms of sz, being
assessed and diagnosed with sz and then having to be prescribed strong sedative medication are all
undoubtedly quite scary experiences. On top of that, does CBT add negatively to this burden.
*Ethical Implications*
Some psychiatrists may limit access to CBT - correct answer Some of those working in psychiatric services
may not feel that CBT is a viable option for many people suffering from sz. This decision may be based on
the fact that the client does not accept ot believe that their diagnosis of sz is accurate, or the therapist
may not believe the client would be able to engage with CBT, or that the individual is doing well with just
antipsychotic medication.
*Social Implications*
Is CBT being offered to everyone? - correct answer The NHS in England and Wales is organised into
various 'trusts', each of these trusts provide services to people living within a particular geographic
*Effectiveness*
An effective form of treatment - correct answer One of the first major studies of the effectiveness of CBT
to treat sz was conducted by Elizabeth Kuipers et al. (1997). Sixty individuals with sz who each has a
*'positive and distressing symptom that was medication resistant'* were *randomly allocated* to either
a CBT plus standard care condition or a standard care only condition. After nine months of therapy, the
researchers found that there was a change in the psychotic symptoms experiences in the CBT plus
standard care condition; 50% of the participants were considered to have improved with only one
individual becoming worse. In the standard care-only condition, 31% were considered to have improved
with three people becoming worse and another committing suicide. This research suggests that although
the improvements offered by CBT plus standard care may only seem marginal - only 50% benefited - it is
significantly better than standard care only.
*Effectiveness*
Short-Term Effectiveness - correct answer The effectiveness of CBT in treating sz seems to be limited to
studies that have only investigated short-term programmes. Research which has investigated the longer-
term effectiveness of CBT has not been as positive.
*Ethical Implications*
Potentially a negative experience for clients - correct answer Suffering the symptoms of sz, being
assessed and diagnosed with sz and then having to be prescribed strong sedative medication are all
undoubtedly quite scary experiences. On top of that, does CBT add negatively to this burden.
*Ethical Implications*
Some psychiatrists may limit access to CBT - correct answer Some of those working in psychiatric services
may not feel that CBT is a viable option for many people suffering from sz. This decision may be based on
the fact that the client does not accept ot believe that their diagnosis of sz is accurate, or the therapist
may not believe the client would be able to engage with CBT, or that the individual is doing well with just
antipsychotic medication.
*Social Implications*
Is CBT being offered to everyone? - correct answer The NHS in England and Wales is organised into
various 'trusts', each of these trusts provide services to people living within a particular geographic
