Study illustrates benefits of talk therapy
A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has disproved what mental health professionals have believed for decades—that talk therapy to treat schizophrenia is completely ineffective.
Up to half of patients with severe cases of schizophrenia experience residual symptoms or are unable to tolerate medication side effects. However, this new study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, offers hope for these patients by showing that talk therapy has a significant impact for treating those with schizophrenia.
In their research, Paul Grant, PhD, and Aaron Beck, MD, and colleagues concentrated on improving the global functioning of patients with severe schizophrenia. They found that these patients have the same goals as people with other psychiatric disorders: They want to be independent, productive, and have good relationships. Researchers helped patients move slowly towards obtaining these long- and short-term goals through recovery-oriented cognitive therapy treatment once a week.
Treatment allowed patients to reach an improved level of functioning and motivation, and also reduced positive symptoms. Findings suggest that recovery-based cognitive behavior therapy for schizophrenia patients may not only improve their quality of life, but may also help to reduce some public health costs.
Source—Huffington Post
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