Cognitive-behavioural therapy in first-episode and early schizophrenia. 18-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial.

Background: The initial phase of a trial of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for acutely ill patients with schizophrenia of recent onset showed that it speeded recovery.

Aims: To test the hypothesis that CBT in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) during the first or second acute episode of schizophrenia will confer clinical benefit over a follow-up period.

Method: This was an 18-month follow-up of a multicentre prospective trial of CBT or supportive counselling administered as an adjunct to TAU, compared with TAU alone, for patients hospitalised for an acute episode of schizophrenia of recent onset.

Randomised controlled trial of cognitive-behavioural therapy in early schizophrenia: acute-phase outcomes.

Background: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) improves persistent psychotic symptoms.

Aims: To test the effectiveness of added CBT in accelerating remission from acute psychotic symptoms in early schizophrenia.

Method: A 5-week CBT programme plus routine care was compared with supportive counselling plus routine care and routine care alone in a multi-centre trial randomising 315 people with DSM-IV schizophrenia and related disorders in their first (83%) or second acute admission.