Cognitive therapy for persistent psychosis in schizophrenia: a case-controlled clinical trial

Schizophr Res. 2005 May 1;74(2-3):195-9. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2004.05.013.

Abstract

The results of an open label controlled outcome study are presented, comparing Cognitive Therapy with a treatment-as-usual group. Independent raters assessed symptom severity and psychosocial functioning at baseline, and again at 6 months. Improvements were found for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) patients in Clinical Global Impression for Improvement (CGI; p<0.03), Global Psychosocial Functioning (p<0.001), the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) ratings (p<0.013), overall symptoms (p<0.049), and delusions (p<0.029). A trend toward significance was found for reductions in negative symptoms (p<0.06). The results suggest the potential utility of cognitive therapy as a companion therapy for schizophrenia in the United States. Limitations of the study include small sample sizes, lack of randomized assignment, and rater nonblindedness to treatment condition.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / complications*