Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy of Schizophrenia

... they seem to have the idea that delusions and hallucinations have some psychodynamic meaning, rather than being randomly generated. Go figure.

Detailed text summarizing the authors' 15 years' experience doing psychotherapy with people who have schizophrenia. They modify CBT to address hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, & negative symptoms. They give suggestions for co-morbid syndromes. Many treatment issues are covered in detail. They support use of medication but go well beyond the medical model. They provide a lit review (up to 2005) summarizing, among other things, 16 randomized, controlled trials showing significant benefits for CBT relative to supportive counseling or "befriending". They use 4 case studies to illustrate topics at the end of each chapter. Clearly written, with sample educational handouts & assessment measures included.

This book is clear, concise, and perspicacious. It brakes down the elements of schizophrenia and its symptoms into understandable, although exaggerated, human experiences. This book would be excellent for any friends and family members of people with schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders. Kingdon and Turkington describe the intellectual process of psychosis in terms that allow the lay person to comprehend the illness.