The Efficacy of Cognitive- Behavior Therapy in Reducing Symptoms and Improving Function For Patients with Schizophrenia

Based on empirically supported treatments for schizophrenia، various independent researchers have shown efficacy of psychological treatment in reducing symptoms and improving functions but these therapies include only some parts of signs of symptoms. The main aim of the CBT is treating more symptoms and also rehabilitation. The aim of the current research is to investigate the efficacy of CBT in improving of functions and reducing positive and negative symptoms among patient who suffer from schizophrenia. A Randomized Clinical Trial was used to compare the efficacy of CBT that of patients who receive treatment as usual (TAU). From Razi hospital in Tehran، 40 inpatient people with schizophrenia and persistent negative and positive symptoms were assigned. Patients were included if they were aged 25 to 55 years; had diagnosis of schizophrenia and persistent to medication for at least 2 years. 20 of these patients received a 16 session’s treatment over 2 months and the rest were located in control group. Patients in 2 group received Treatment as usual. The positive and negative symptoms scales، NOSIE & NCSE completed for all patients before، in the middle and after treatment. SPSS 11. 5 and multivariate repeated measure was used. Significant improvement were found in the severity and number of positive (P= 0/05) and negative (P= 0/001) symptoms in patients received CBT. CBT leaded to improvement in cognitive & behavioral functions (p=0/001). CBT is a useful adjunct therapy in the management of patients with schizophrenia in treating negative &positive symptoms as well as cognitive and behavioral deficits.