Antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia remain the most important intervention for patients. However, great emphasis has been placed on several psychological interventions which have achieved substantial support and evidence. Psychological interventions are considered to be used in combination in all patients taking antipsychotic drugs, or, for those individuals where the use of antipsychotic therapy alone has not been effective. Interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), arts therapy and family interventions have been recommended by the NICE guidelines.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy

This form of psychological therapy has been recognised as a successful intervention for schizophrenia. It is understood that CBT can alleviate the positive symptoms of patients, by discussing and challenging symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. This can be achieved through logical reasoning and forming alterations in behaviour. Therefore, CBT aims to allow patients to form an association between their thoughts, emotions, actions and symptoms and also providing effective methods of managing them. This is of particular use with symptoms such as delusions, where alternative conclusions are suggested for where the belief or ideas originated from. This is similar of auditory hallucination, where the individual’s perceptions can be altered. Furthermore, studies have shown that CBT provides a reduction in the frequency and distress resulted by the condition, therefore it should be offered to all patients with schizophrenia.

Arts therapy

Arts therapy is offered to all patients with schizophrenia and aims to encourage creativity. The therapy is known to alleviate the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia. NICE have stated that the therapy is intended to enable patients, with schizophrenia, to express themselves in an artistic manner and to help them acknowledge and comprehend emotions that may arise during the creative process. Furthermore, it provides patients the opportunity to experience themselves in an alternative way and to develop new ways of relating to others.



Family intervention

A considerable burden is placed on the families of patients with schizophrenia. Family intervention is encouraged in the management of schizophrenia to the families of individuals with the illness, who either lives with, or is in close contact with the patient. The service aims to reduce expressed emotions, educate family members about the condition and the associated consequences, along with proving practical methods strategies on the management of the condition. A meta-analysis recently carried out, provided evidence for the effectiveness of this therapy. It reinforced that family intervention lead to a reduction in hospitalisation rates and improved medication compliance in the patients.