social and ethical CBT

intro

One method of modifying schizophrenia is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  In this essay, I will explore the social and ethical implications of this treatment for schizophrenic patients. 

 

positive ethical

• Patient satisfaction and appropriateness:

  • Kuipers et al. (1997) → most patients reported CBT was helpful and appropriate in managing schizophrenia.

  • Shows CBT can be both effective and ethical when delivered well.

• Humane alternative:

  • Seen as more ethical than immediately prescribing strong sedatives or lifelong antipsychotic drugs.

  • Promotes a more person-centred approach.

• Empowerment:

  • CBT gives patients insight into symptoms → helps them feel in control rather than passive recipients of medication.

  • Builds therapeutic alliances with therapists, which can reduce stigma.

negative ethucal

Risk of patient blame:

• The cognitive model assumes the client’s thinking patterns are the cause of symptoms.

• It could make patients feel blamed for their disorder when external factors (e.g., family conflict, traumatic life events, poverty) are also important.

• This can reduce self-esteem and motivation to recover.

positive social

• Employment & economy:

  • Controlled symptoms = more likely to keep a job → reduces reliance on state benefits.

  • Patients can contribute to the economy (taxes, productivity).

    • They will require less financial support from the gov - it costs the UK $5.4B in 2015 for mental health patients unable to work

• Improvedwell-beingg:

  • Having meaningful employment and independence boosts confidence, self-esteem, and relationships.

  • Leads to wider social stability: families, workplaces, and communities benefit when individuals manage symptoms.

negative social

Not accessible to all, National Audit of Schizophrenia 2014, who recorded that there were significant improvements in people with schizophrenia and who were being offered and taking CBT

• The number of people who ordered CBT ranged from 67% to only 14%

• 50% their trust was not offered in CBT

• poses an ethical use, arguing that psychiatric prejudice may be limiting access to CBT. Its effectiveness would be accessible to all. With the NHS, everyone should have access to free treatment, without negative implications for the economy and society, because patients who have a lower chance of recovery

• could strain society

conclusion

• beneficial in some cases although not suitable for all patients

• should be used alongside other biological methods such as antipsychotic to improve engagement