After the final assessment at 18 months, 41% of 17 participants who underwent cognitive therapy showed a minimum 50% improvement in their total PANSS scores, compared with only 18% of 17 participants who received usual care.
Furthermore, the investigators say that participants were very accepting of cognitive therapy and drop-out and withdrawal rates were low.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Morrision says:
"We have shown that cognitive therapy is an acceptable intervention for a population who are usually considered to be very challenging to engage in mental health services.
Antipsychotic medication, while beneficial for many people, can have severe side effects. Evidence-based alternatives should be available to those who choose not to take these drugs. For many, cognitive therapy might prove to be the preferred form of treatment."