Effectiveness of a brief cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention in the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

BackgroundLittle evidence exists to indicate whether community psychiatric nurses can achieve the results reported by expert cognitive–behavioural therapists in patients with schizophrenia.AimsTo assess the effectiveness and safety of a brief cognitive- behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention in a representative community sample of patients with schizophrenia in secondary care settings.MethodA pragmatic randomised trial was performed involving 422 patients and carers to compare a brief CBT intervention against treatment as usual.ResultsPatients who received CBT (n=257) improved in overall symptomatology (P=0.015; number needed to treat [NNT]= 13), insight (P<0.001; NNT=10) and depression (P=0.003;NNT=9) compared with the control group (n=165). Insight was clinically significantly improved (risk ratio =1.15,95% C1 1.01-1.31).There was no increase in suicidal ideation.ConclusionsCommunity psychiatric nurses can safely and effectively deliver a brief CBT intervention to patients with schizophrenia and their carers.