Schizophrenia treatment with cognitive therapy is considered safe for patients who are not taking antipsychotic drugs. Schizophrenia is commonly treated with antipsychotic drugs, but many patients refuse or discontinue this treatment option. Research has shown that cognitive therapy can be beneficial to patients who are not taking antipsychotic drugs.
The researchers randomly selected 74 schizophrenia patients who have chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs. These patients were randomly assigned to receive two types of treatment – 37 received cognitive therapy with regular treatment and 37 received regular treatment only.
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The researchers then looked at each patient’s total score on the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS).
There were eight adverse episodes, two in the cognitive therapy group and the remainder in the regular treatment group.
The researchers determined that cognitive therapy helps reduce schizophrenia symptoms and deemed it safe as an alternative form of treatment for those choosing not to take antipsychotic drugs.
Professor Anthony Morrison explained, “Our evidence suggests cognitive treatments do benefit patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who have chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs, but a larger, definitive trial is now needed.”
Other therapy techniques for schizophrenia
There are different types of therapy which can aid in the treatment of schizophrenia. These therapy options include:
Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT)
This type of talk therapy looks at our reactions to our feelings, and involves changing our behavior as a means of improving how we feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily a scientific approach to talk therapy completed in the short term. This form of talk therapy is best designed for those seeking a solution or who have a goal they wish to meet.
Dialectic behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT combines treatments from cognitive behavioral therapy with meditation. It can take place both on an individual level and in a group setting. DBT is best suited for people with eating and personality disorders.
Psychodynamic therapies
This type of talk therapy explores how early life experiences influence your present-day thinking. By understanding your past, you can make appropriate changes in your future.
Humanistic therapies
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By using a whole-person approach, problems are solved with a variety of practices and theories along with working on a person’s full potential. This type of talk therapy is best suited as treatment for depression and addiction, but humanistic therapy can work to overcome any specific problem as well.
Other kinds of talk therapy
Other types of talk therapy include relationship counseling, group therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, motivational counselling, arts therapy, family education, rehabilitation, social skills training, and life coaching.
Therapy not only addresses schizophrenia but other surrounding issues as well to help the patient live as normal of a life as possible, enabling them to have a meaningful, functional, and independent existence.
