Group cognitive-behavioural therapy for schizophrenia. Randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy for schizophrenia is established, but there is less evidence for a group format.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioural therapy for schizophrenia.


METHODS
In all, 113 people with persistent positive symptoms of schizophrenia were assigned to receive group cognitive-behavioural therapy or treatment as usual. The primary outcome was positive symptom improvement on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales. Secondary outcome measures included symptoms, functioning, relapses, hopelessness and self-esteem.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the cognitive-behavioural therapy and treatment as usual on measures of symptoms or functioning or relapse, but group cognitive-behavioural therapy treatment resulted in reductions in feelings of hopelessness and in low self-esteem.


CONCLUSIONS
Although group cognitive-behavioural therapy may not be the optimum treatment method for reducing hallucinations and delusions, it may have important benefits, including feeling less negative about oneself and less hopeless for the future.
Barrowclough
Christine
C
School of Psychological Sciences, Rutherford House, Manchester Science Park, Lloyd Street North, Manchester M15 6SZ, UK. christine.barrowclough@manchester.ac.uk
Haddock
Gillian
G
Lobban
Fiona
F
Jones
Steve
S
Siddle
Ron
R
Roberts
Chris
C
Gregg
Lynsey
L
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome