SZ 16(a) Combining therapies

What is involved in an interactionist approach to treating schizophrenia (2) and what are the NICE guidelines for NHS provision of treatment (2)

* An interactionist treatment approach involves combining anti-psychotic medication...

* ... with psychological therapy, i.e., CBT or FT​

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NICE guidelines for NHS ​

* All SZ patients should be offered drug treatment ​

* CBT or FT should be available to patients who are compliant with drugs

Explain how drug therapies could reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and enable psychological therapies to work (3)

* Reduce positive symptoms=>insight into delusions, voices less intrusive

* Reduce negative symptoms=> motivation, engagement, coherence

* Reduce cognitive symptoms=> clarity of thought, speech, on topic

Explain how psychological therapies could improve compliance with medication in patients with schizophrenia (2)

* Attending therapy => reminder to take medication

* Content of therapy => help patients / family to understand benefits of medication​ / trust doctors

Explain what research shows about the effectiveness of combining drug and psychological therapies in treating schizophrenia (2)

* Combining therapies increases effectiveness by a small amount​

* i.e., above the benefits of using one therapy

Explain potential benefits of combining drug and psychological therapies in treating schizophrenia (despite the costs) (up to 4x2)

Clinical benefit​

Reduction in symptoms​

Life chances enhanced​

e.g., getting a job, reduction in risk of hospitalisation​

Saving for taxpayer​

Long term reduction in cost of care and benefits ​

Boosting economy​

Patient works and pays taxes​