CBT evaluation for Sz

P - Research into the effectiveness of CBT was carried out by Jauhar et al. ​

E - They reviewed the results of 34 studies of CBT as a treatment for schizophrenia. ​

E - They concluded that CBT has a significant but small effect on both positive & negative symptoms. 

L - Demonstrating that CBT is fairly effective in treating schizophrenia. This could be because CBT motivation & commitment comes from patients engaging in sessions, somebody with positive symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions) may have a lack of awareness to do this.​

P - One weakness of CBT as an explanation for Sz is that it requires motivation from the patient. 

E - This is because patients are required to attend multiple sessions in order to identify & challenge their irrational thoughts to control their symptoms of hallucinations & delusions. This could be especially even more difficult for someone with Sz as they also experience symptoms of avolition (lack of motivation) 

E -  This is unlike drug therapy where patients are only required to remember to take the drug clozapine in order to balance their levels of dopamine and reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions.

L – Therefore family therapy may not be an appropriate treatment for schizophrenia as this may lead to high dropout rates, further questioning the effectiveness of the treatment for schizophrenia

P - One strength of CBT to treat Sz is that it doesn't cause side effects.

E - This is because it is a non-invasive treatment as it involves a person identifying & challenging their irrational thoughts such as hallucinations and delusions. 

E - This is unlike drug therapy which causes side effects such as Parkinsonism which are side effects tremors & shakes, similar to the symptoms of those diagnosed with Parkinson's. 

L - Therefore, CBT may be appropriate for all patients with Sz as there are no side effects, meaning they are more likely to resume treatment. 

P - One strength of CBT as a treatment for Sz is that it avoids a chemical strait-jacket.

E - This is because patients are in control of their own treatment by identifying & challenging their irrational thoughts in order to treat their symptoms of hallucinations & delusions.

E - Unlike drug therapy such as typical antipsychotics which control a patient's mind & body in order to balance their neurotransmitters (dopamine) & reduce symptoms of hallucinations.

L - Therefore, it could be argued that CBT may be a more appropriate treatment for Sz compared to drug therapy,