THE EFFECT OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY IN TREATING HALLUCINATION AND DELUSION AMONG PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRANIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-06-26
Authors
Zamareh, Salsabeel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a leading cause of disability across the globe, affecting nearly 1% of the worldwide population. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) is recognized as an established therapeutic approach, proving effective in mitigating symptoms and improving the quality of life for those with psychotic disorders. CBTp is aimed at enhancing functionality while navigating through challenging symptoms such as hallucinations, negative symptoms, cognitive disturbances, and delusions. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental methodology and was conducted at the Hebron mental health clinic from January to March 2023. It utilized two assessment tools: The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), with the SPSS version 28 for statistical analysis. Results: The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in post-test scores for auditory hallucinations, delusions, and overall severity of schizophrenia compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant reduction in distress and anxiety levels was noted in the intervention group's post-test scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found in the outcomes related to auditory hallucinations, delusions, and schizophrenia severity across various demographic groups of participants (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study highlight the pivotal contribution of CBT to the considerable decrease in overall psychotic symptoms, especially in positive symptoms, auditory hallucinations, and delusions within the case group. This work contributes to the growing evidence supporting the adaptation of validated interventions and the efficacy and acceptance of CBT in the treatment of psychosis.
Keywords: Delusions, Hallucinations, Psychosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).