Cognitive therapy for schizophrenia: from conceptualization to intervention.
OBJECTIVE
To outline the cognitive understanding of symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, and emotional withdrawal, and to review the cognitive therapy approach to ameliorating these symptoms.


METHODS
We identified studies examining cognitive factors associated with symptoms of schizophrenia by electronic search (using Medline and Psycinfo). This paper integrates experimental findings and clinical treatment.


RESULTS
Recent studies focusing on the psychological aspects of schizophrenia demonstrate the importance of common cognitive biases and distortions that are functionally related to the maintenance of symptoms. Understanding the disorder in cognitive terms provides a framework for psychotherapeutic intervention. Adapting cognitive strategies successfully used in cognitive therapy of depression and anxiety provides an important adjunct to standard treatment of schizophrenia.


CONCLUSIONS
Given that the outcome of current treatment for schizophrenia remains poor, attention to therapist training in psychological approaches is essential.
Rector
Neil A
NA
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. neil_rector@camh.net
Beck
Aaron T
AT
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003702:Delusions / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology