The effect of cognitive behavioral treatment on the positive symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis
Received 19 January 2005; received in revised form 24 February 2005; accepted 28 February 2005.
Abstract
Background
Despite the effectiveness of anti-psychotic pharmacotherapy, residual hallucinations and delusions do not completely resolve in some medicated patients. Additional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seems to improve the management of positive symptoms. Despite promising results, the efficacy of CBT is still unclear. The present study addresses this issue taking into account a number of newly published controlled studies.
Method
Fourteen studies including 1484 patients, published between 1990 and 2004 were identified and a meta-analysis of their results performed.
Results
Compared to other adjunctive measures, CBT showed significant reduction in positive symptoms and there was a higher benefit of CBT for patients suffering an acute psychotic episode versus the chronic condition (effect size of 0.57 vs. 0.27).
Discussion
CBT is a promising adjunctive treatment for positive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, a number of potentially modifying variables have not yet been examined, such as therapeutic alliance and neuropsychological deficits.
ABSTRACT