In People with Schizophrenia, Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Antipsychotics Yield Better Patient-Reported Quality of Life: We Need to Ask Them

Authors

Billi Tsuya, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

psychiatry

Advisor

PA963

Abstract

Objective: The primary purpose of this article is to review the treatment for schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and illuminate the findings of patient-reported quality of life.

Method: A review of the literature of relevant resources was conducted to gather research studies on patient-reported quality of life among patients with schizophrenia. Search terms used to guide the search strategy included mental health, CBT schizophrenia, schizophrenia patient-reported outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes questionnaire.

Results: There is a lack of evidence-based research to demonstrate the correlation of patient-reported quality of life regarding CBT nor antipsychotic medications. Four studies were retrieved, but as mentioned, there are few studies about people with schizophrenia that include patient-reported quality of life measurements. No studies were found that incorporated a patient questionnaire on quality of life comparing more than two classes of pharmaceuticals. Two studies about 20 years old were found regarding treatments other than medications, (art therapy and life skills training), in comparison to the standard of care at the time. One recent pilot trial was found that aimed to prove if a randomized controlled trial of CBT versus antipsychotics medications versus a combination would be reasonable in people with psychosis.

Conclusions: Research is needed that includes patient-reported outcomes so it can add to an evidence-based medicine approach. Studies demonstrating patient-reported quality of life are not prevalent in the mainstream view of providers that treat schizophrenia. Nor do they hold a recognized place in current treatment methodologies. The lack of findings upholds the idea that more research needs to be conducted to identify the information and it needs to be presented to a wide base of providers. The information gathered from such research should shed light on how integrated medicine and interdisciplinary care will better serve patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Recommended Citation

Tsuya B. In People with Schizophrenia, Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Antipsychotics Yield Better Patient-Reported Quality of Life: We Need to Ask Them. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(1).