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Cognitive–behavioural interventions in schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

A. S. Huda*
Affiliation:
Macarthur Mental Health, Campbeltown, NSW 2560, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Type
Columns
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

Hodgins & Müller-Isberner (Reference Hodgins and Müller-Isberner2004) in their clinical implications assert that schizophrenia patients with antisocial behaviour ‘require cognitive–behavioural interventions aimed at changing antisocial behaviours...’, yet the paper itself can only quote evidence of effectiveness of these techniques in offenders who are not mentally ill (Reference McGuireMcGuire, 1995). It therefore seems unclear why they then suggest that these techniques will be effective in reducing antisocial behaviours in people with schizophrenia and should be regarded as ‘required’. Unfounded assumptions like these may be quoted by others referencing this paper and lead people to assume, mistakenly, an evidence base for this assertion. Providing cognitive–behavioural therapy to this client group may therefore provide no benefit but divert resources that may have benefited others. While I agree that reducing antisocial behaviour in this client group is desirable, we should not hasten to assume, in the absence of evidence, that cognitive–behavioural therapy will provide a panacea.

Footnotes

EDITED BY KHALIDA ISMAIL

References

Hodgins, S. & Müller-Isberner, R. (2004) Preventing crime by people with schizophrenic disorders: the role of psychiatric services. British Journal of Psychiatry, 185, 245250.Google Scholar
McGuire, J. (1995) What Works: Reducing Reoffending. Guidelines from Research and Practice. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar
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