Cognitive-behavioral therapy

The view that psychotic symptoms lie on a continuum with normal experiences and can be explained by normal psychological processes has provided the basis for adapting cognitive-behavioral interventions for psychosis. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) focuses on reframing appraisals and modifying behavior related to psychotic symptoms to reduce distress and improve functioning and well-being. To date, the efficacy and effectiveness of CBTp has been demonstrated in over 30 intervention trials and it is widely recommended in various national treatment guidelines. This introduction to CBTp provides an overview of the main strategies employed including interventions for building rapport, developing and working with a shared case formulation, enhancing patients’ use of coping strategies for disabling and distressing symptoms, working with beliefs seen as maintaining hallucinations, delusions and negative symptoms as well as strategies for preventing relapse. It also briefly summarizes the current evidence base for CBTp and point out further developments.