Discuss two or more psychological therapies for schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia – Psychotherapies

‘Discuss two or more psychological therapies for schizophrenia (9 marks + 16).’

As a scientifically proven cure for schizophrenia, medication is largely crucial for the treatment of schizophrenia, but unfortunately many people fail to uphold the medication, as its side-effects prove too distressing or they find that these symptoms outweigh that of the disorder. As such, many sufferers of schizophrenia turn to psychotherapies, of which there are two main type of therapy: CBT and psychoanalysis.

Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy

CBT is largely founded in the cognitive approach to psychopathology, which arose in the 1950’s. CBT assumes that the schizophrenia is a maladaptive behaviour, caused by beliefs that have been distorted, either by someone or something and delusions are often seen as caused by distorted interpretations of events.

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In CBT, patients are usually prompted to trace the genesis of their symptoms, so as to get a grasp of how they may have occurred and how they might be treated and are then encouraged to evaluate any internal voices they may hear, delusions or hallucinations and so on. As their behaviour is thought to stem from distorted beliefs, they are prompted to find alternative patterns or ways of thinking to their maladaptive one. CBT generally tries to generate less distressing symptoms to arise, rather than completely eradicating the symptoms, as some, in particular negative symptoms, may well prove beneficial. ...

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