THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY PROGRAM IN REDUCING SYMPTOMS AND IMPROVING SOCIAL SKILLS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
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Date
2024-09-02
Authors
Abu Snineh, Suhiab
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: According to the DSM-5, schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder marked by a disconnect between reality and mind, jumbled thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. It is a grave psychiatric ailment that hampers normal thinking and behavior, significantly affecting both the individual and those around them.
Previous research has demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral treatment improves social skills and reduces both positive and negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, this study attempted to explore the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in strengthening social skills and reducing symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
Method: The study follows a quasi-experimental research approach. The study involved 16 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, all of whom are Palestinian Arabs residing in occupied Jerusalem and receiving care at the Nathan Center for Mental Health. The researcher utilized the Schizophrenia Social Skills Scale and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale to evaluate the enhancement of social skills and reduction of symptoms in these patients.
Results: Among Palestinian patients in Jerusalem diagnosed with schizophrenia, at the Nathan Center for Mental Health, the study revealed a moderate level of schizophrenia symptoms alongside a moderate level of social skills. Despite undergoing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program (CBTP) treatments, the experimental group did not experience significant improvements in social skills or reduction of schizophrenia symptoms. Notably, the CBTP did lead to improved emotional control among schizophrenic patients in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The study investigates whether there is an effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatment in reducing symptoms and enhancing social skills in patients with schizophrenia. Before starting its implementation, the study emphasizes the importance of educating therapists about treatment techniques and raising general awareness among patients targeted in the treatment program on the importance of psychotherapy in preventing and treating mental health issues.