Evidence-Based Individual Psychotherapy in Schizophrenia

Treatment guidelines and systematic reviews provide clear evidence that psychotherapy is an efficacious component of comprehensive treatment programs in schizophrenia. In particular, family intervention for the reduction of relapses and cognitive behavioural therapy for symptom reduction could show significant treatment effects. The present paper summarizes the evidence of individual cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for the treatment of positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and relapse prevention. The targets of interventions and the related treatment goals are described. Three major endpoints of treatment are the reduction of positive symptoms, negative symptoms and the prevention of relapse. The major strategies of individual CBT are presented in the major part of this paper.