BACKGROUND:

Recent research progress showing the benefits of cognitive therapy in schizophrenia leaves the general psychiatrist unsure whether to attempt to use such techniques.

AIMS:

To test whether cognitive-behavioural techniques are beneficial in the management of patients with schizophrenia in general psychiatric practice.

METHOD:

A randomised controlled study comparing the use of cognitive-behavioural techniques and befriending in schizophrenia.

RESULTS:

Significant improvement in symptoms occurred in the group treated with cognitive-behavioural techniques but not in the befriending group. During the 6-month follow-up period the cognitive-behavioural group tended to have shorter periods in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS:

General psychiatrists could help their patients with schizophrenia by using cognitive-behavioural techniques. Such techniques are well within the capability of general psychiatrists, but their application would involve more of the consultant's time spent in direct contact with patients with psychoses.