CBT Is Modestly Effective in Patients with Schizophrenia

Although few patients have substantial symptom improvement with cognitive-behavioral therapy, many more experience fewer but potentially clinically important benefits.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended for schizophrenia patients in British and U.S. guidelines. Although one study estimated that a third of unmedicated but engaged patients have marked response (NEJM JW Psychiatry Apr 2014 and Lancet 2014; 383:1395), the extent of its efficacy is unclear. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 33 studies of CBT to obtain clinically relevant information via rates of response to CBT (rather than mean differences between groups).

The studies used broad diagnostic criteria, and ≥80% of patients had to have schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses; all patients had positive symptoms. Most studies added CBT to usual treatment. When necessary, investigators used an imputation method to calculate response ra…

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

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Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

CBT Is Modestly Effective in Patients with Schizophrenia

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Reviewing Author