1st Edition

Schizophrenia Cognitive Theory, Research, and Therapy

    From Aaron T. Beck and colleagues, this is the definitive work on the cognitive model of schizophrenia and its treatment. The volume integrates cognitive-behavioral and biological knowledge into a comprehensive conceptual framework. It examines the origins, development, and maintenance of key symptom areas: delusions, hallucinations, negative symptoms, and formal thought disorder. Treatment chapters then offer concrete guidance for addressing each type of symptom, complete with case examples and session outlines. Anyone who treats or studies serious mental illness will find a new level of understanding together with theoretically and empirically grounded clinical techniques.

    1. Overview of Schizophrenia
    2. Biological Contributions
    3. A Cognitive Conceptualization of Delusions
    4. A Cognitive Conceptualization of Auditory Hallucinations
    5. A Cognitive Conceptualization of Negative Symptoms
    6. A Cognitive Conceptualization of Formal Thought Disorder
    7. Assessment
    8. Engagement and Fostering the Therapeutic Relationship
    9. Cognitive Assessment and Therapy of Delusions
    10. Cognitive Assessment and Therapy of Auditory Hallucinations
    11. Cognitive Assessment and Therapy of Negative Symptoms
    12. Cognitive Assessment and Therapy of Formal Thought Disorder
    13. Cognitive Therapy and Pharmacotherapy
    14. An Integrative Cognitive Model of Schizophrenia
    Appendices
    A. Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS)
    B. Scoring and Interpretation of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS)
    C. Suggested Outline for Initial Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
    D. Cognitive Assessment of Psychosis Inventory (CAPI)
    E. Cognitive Triads for Delusional Beliefs
    F. Cognitive Distortions Seen in Patients with Psychosis
    G. Cognitive Distortions Specific to Psychosis
    H. Thought Disorder Rating Scale (THORATS)

    Biography

    Aaron T. Beck, MD, is the founder of cognitive therapy, University Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, and President Emeritus of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Dr. Beck is the recipient of awards including the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychiatric Association, the James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award in Applied Psychology from the Association for Psychological Science, and the Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health and Gustav O. Lienhard Award from the Institute of Medicine. He is author or editor of numerous books for professionals and the general public.

    Neil A. Rector, PhD, is Director of Research, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. He is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and an editorial board member of several cognitive therapy journals, and conducts research on cognitive mechanisms and cognitive therapy treatments for psychiatric disorders. Dr. Rector has an active clinical practice and is also involved in training and supervision.

    Neal Stolar, MD-PhD, is a Medical Director and Director of the Cognitive Therapy for the Treatment of Psychosis Special Project at Project Transition in the Philadelphia area; a psychiatric consultant for Creative Health Services and Penn Behavioral Health; a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Psychopathology Research Unit and Schizophrenia Research Center; and in private practice. Dr. Stolar is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He has lectured internationally on cognitive therapy of schizophrenia.

    Paul Grant, PhD, is Director of Schizophrenia Research and a Fellow in the Psychopathology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Grant’s research interests include cognitive psychopathological models of positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive therapy of schizophrenia. He is the author of several journal articles and book chapters.

    "Synthesizing research on the psychology and biology of schizophrenia, Beck et al. show how a cognitive approach can be used to understand and treat even the most severely ill patient. This book is a masterpiece that challenges conventional thinking and describes one of the most exciting developments in psychiatry today. It is essential reading for all mental health professionals."--Richard Bentall, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Bangor, UK
    "This volume offers a window into the world of an individual with schizophrenia by revealing how disturbed neurobiology can cause normal thought processes to evolve into psychosis. The authors describe how both clinicians and patients can better understand schizophrenia symptoms using CBT--and how the process of doing so can be powerfully therapeutic."--Stephen R. Marder, MD, Professor and Director, Section on Psychosis, Semel Institute, UCLA
    "Beck and his colleagues have done it again! This bookis simply outstanding. It begins with a very clear and insightful overview of our scientific understanding of the etiology of schizophrenia, offers detailed analyses of the cognitive underpinnings of psychotic symptoms, and then outlines specific approaches for tailoring cognitive techniques to treat these symptoms. Unlike many authors who address schizophrenia treatment, Beck et al. clearly link science with treatment strategies. I plan to use this book as the primary text in my seminars on clinical treatment."--Elaine F. Walker, PhD, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Emory University
    "The time has assuredly come for all clinicians working with persons with schizophrenia to become well acquainted with cognitive therapy for psychosis. Beck's decades of experience and wisdom are clearly reflected in this book. The cognitive conceptualizations of delusions, hallucinations, negative symptoms, and formal thought disorder are especially compelling and will provide critical new insights for both trainees and seasoned clinicians. This is an important addition to the library of any clinician committed to supporting recovery in persons with schizophrenia."--Shirley M. Glynn, PhD, Research Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA

    "Beck et al. have written the rare book that succeeds in wedding theory, research, and practice into a cohesive conceptual framework. The book provides an integrated theoretical model that accounts for the disparate symptoms of schizophrenia. These theoretical foundations are complemented by excellent, detailed clinical guidelines, vignettes, sample dialogues, and useful tools. An outstanding resource for researchers and clinicians who want to better understand the role of cognitive factors in schizophrenia and its treatment."--Kim T. Mueser, PhD, Department of Occupational Therapy, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University

    "Many of the puzzling and vexing symptoms of schizophrenia are largely untouched by existing psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments. Beck and his colleagues present an integrated, empirically based theory of the disorder which provides the foundation for identifying effective therapeutic strategies. Logically presented, scholarly, and generously illustrated with case examples, this book will serve as a practical guide for practitioners seeking to improve their effectiveness, as well as program leaders seeking to augment the continuum of care for this population. I strongly recommend this text for graduate and professional training programs in psychiatry, clinical psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatric rehabilitation."--Gary R. Bond, PhD, Chancellor's Professor of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

    "This is the most comprehensive and yet lucidly written book on cognitive theory and therapy of schizophrenia I have ever read. That's no surprise, given that Beck pioneered the development of cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia. What is remarkable here is the optimal balance between breadth (from biology and pharmacology to psychology and social services) and depth (detailed understanding of cognitive deficits and their treatment). The book is 'must' reading for anyone interested in schizophrenia, from the pre- or postdoctoral student to the teacher, clinician, or researcher. Everyday case examples and direct quotes from actual therapy sessions, combined with relevant rating scales, research findings, and a detailed bibliography, make this volume a one-stop source for all the necessary information in this area."--Dilip V. Jeste, MD, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego

    "This book represents a major advance in the application of cognitive theory and therapy. It is fitting that the founder of cognitive therapy is now pioneering its use with people with schizophrenia, who were once thought to be virtually untreatable. The authors provide a groundbreaking integration of neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral approaches to understanding the disorder and improving patients' lives. Unique contributions of the book include the descriptions of cognitive distortions and cognitive triads specific to schizophrenia and the development of cognitive models of thought disorder and negative symptoms, which have been neglected until now."--Tony Morrison, ClinPsyD, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Associate Director of Early Intervention, University of Manchester, UK

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