Cognitive behavioral therapy for schizophrenia treatment has been used for many years. This type of behavioral therapy can be beneficial by changing how a patient views the world. It combines behavior therapy with cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy addresses a patient’s own ideas about himself, others, and his environment, while behavioral therapy helps the patient grow in skills and behaviors that influence function, problem solving, and the cause-and-effect relationship of actions. Benefits also include learning to communicate, be assertive, and manage stress.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy for schizophrenia relies on the combination of two effective therapies: cognitive and behavioral. By combining these two therapies, schizophrenia symptoms are addressed from all angles. Many therapists believe that this mental disorder is a dual type of condition because the patient has beliefs and perceptions about herself and the world in general, even though these beliefs and perceptions are distorted, and she has behaviors that reduce important skills necessary to respond to people and problems effectively.
One of the primary benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for schizophrenia is cognitive in nature. A patient must first understand that the schizophrenia causes a distorted view of reality and a disorganized way of thinking. These cognitive aspects of the disorder affect how the patient responds to problems that may arise or interactions in an environment. The therapist is not attempting to cure the disorder, but instead is helping the patient use distortions and disorganization to solve problems, develop social skills, and deal with symptoms.
Communication, assertiveness, and stress management are the behavioral aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy for schizophrenia. A therapist helps the patient change the learned behaviors that stem from the cognitive disorganization and distorted views. Cause and effect relationships must be understood in order to develop communication skills, assertiveness, and self-confidence and reduce stress responses. Developing social skills involves learning to overcome the negative behaviors that have been learned over time.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for schizophrenia can be short-term or long-term, depending on the patient. Patients who benefit from short-term therapy have usually already been through other types of therapy and just need a little extra help. Long-term schizophrenia treatments with cognitive behavioral therapy benefit patients who have suffered from more severe cases of schizophrenia or have not previously received treatment. As the paranoia, delusions, and other similar symptoms are managed with medications, cognitive behavioral therapy can become easier and the patient can begin to live differently and with a higher quality of life.
