A recent review in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be beneficial for medication-resistant symptoms of schizophrenia. This is an important study because persistent symptoms are often disabling, lead to significant distress, and are associated with increased depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide. CBT as part of a treatment protocol with anti-psychotic medications has been shown to reduce these and other symptoms, and to increase adherence to treatment and insight; additionally, the effects are durable and cost effective. Working collaboratively with patients to improve understanding and coping has overall reduced suffering and improved functioning.
Study authors: S. Rathod, D. Kingdon, P. Weiden, D. Turkington