The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Management of Psychosis
Chukwudi Agbor, Garima Kaur, Fareena M Soomro, Victor C Eche, Alexsandra Urhi, Oghenetega E Ayisire, Akinkunmi Kilanko, Funmilola Babalola, Chioma Eze-Njoku, Ngozi J Adaralegbe, Bialo Aladum, Oluwabukola Oyeleye-Adegbite, Gibson Anugwom
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) as a modality of treatment is gaining attention. A number of authors have reported their experiences, including challenges, in administering CBTp for psychotic patients. With CBTp still evolving a lot more research is ongoing to fine-tune its benefits while mitigating the limitations to its use. The objectives of this review are to determine the role of CBTp in the overall improvement of a patient's quality of life, ascertain the number of hospitalizations with acute symptoms after the start of CBTp; and address the common drawbacks to CBTp in the management of psychosis. It was found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) use can prevent the first episode of psychosis in ultra-high risk (UHR) and is effective in improving depression, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Its use was associated with positive changes in thinking and mood, and sleep quality leading to improved everyday life. Patients who underwent CBT had fewer hospitalizations with a higher number of voluntary hospitalizations as compared to patients with usual care, who underwent a higher number of involuntary hospitalizations. Drawbacks included cost-ineffectiveness and resource limitation.