Effect of cognitive behaviour therapy on adjustment, intensity of symptoms and automatic thoughts in schizophrenia

AIM This study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the effect of Cognitive Behaviour therapy (CBT) on subjects suffering from schizophrenia or schizo affective disorder and to observe the sustainability of its effects over a longest period of time. A brief study was also undertaken about changes in career attitudes after psycho education about their wards' illness. METHOD Fifty-one subjects participated in the study and completed the required numbers of sessions of CBT. Evaluation was carried out before and immediately after CBT. Twenty-four subjects were followed -up again after nine months to perceive sustainability of CBT effects. One family member for each subject was administered an attitude questionnaire before and after psycho education about schizophrenia. RESULTS CBT sessions resulted in marked improvement in overall adjustment. Intensity of symptoms decreased from high to moderate or high to low intensity immediately after CBT. At follow-up nine months later, intensity of symptoms increased from low to moderate in most of the subjects in comparison to immediate post CBT evaluation but was still less than baseline There was marked decrease in negative thoughts and feelings immediately after CBT. During follow-up after nine months 60% subjects showed more improvement marked in negative thoughts than immediate post CBT while 40% showed less improvement than immediately after CBT. Neptive feelings increased after nine months in most of the subjects, but not to pre treatment levels. Family membets also expetienced more positive feelings about their sick wards after psycho education. CONCLUSION Positive effects of CBT may not be sustained over a longer period of time and may need repeated sessions.