Cognitive-behavioural therapy for schizophrenic patients - design and preliminary results of a randomised effectiveness trial

Background: There is growing evidence for the efficacy of cognitive-behavio ural therapy (CBT) for schizophrenic patients. However, the effectiveness, i.e. therapeutic effects in real world settings, needs further clarificatio n. Objective: We carry out a randomised clinical trial and investigate the patient selection and short-term effects of a CBT-programme for schizophren ic patients and their relatives. Method: We report on process and outcome m easures in a sub-sample of n = 124 patients. Results: The programme is feas ible and accepted by patients. Medication, side-effects, duration of inpati ent treatment or social situation are equally distributed across both study conditions. Both groups improved during inpatient treatment with respect t o psychopathological signs and symptoms. After inpatient treatment the CBT group showed improvements in medication compliance, illness concepts and fa mily atmosphere as described by self-ratings indicating short-term therapeu tic effects. Conclusion: These findings-represent-good prerequisites for an adequate test of treatment effects based on 12 or 18 month follow-up data that will be available in the future.