Peter Phiri

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) complements medication management and evidence has shown its effectiveness in managing positive and negative symptoms, promoting treatment resistance, and improving insight, compliance, and aggression in schizophrenia. There is emerging evidence in early intervention, comorbid substance misuse, and reducing relapse and hospitalization. CBT is now recommended by most clinical guidelines for schizophrenia. Treatment is based on engaging the patient in a therapeutic relationship, developing an agreed formulation, and then the use of a range of techniques for hallucinations, delusions, and negative symptoms. This article gives an overview of the current status of CBT for schizophrenia.