Authors of this Cochrane Review assessed the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) compared to other psychosocial therapies when used as add-on treatments for individuals with schizophrenia. Drawing from 36 randomized controlled trials involving 3,542 participants, the review examined outcomes such as relapse, rehospitalization, mental state, social functioning, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment. Across these outcomes, no significant long-term differences were found between CBT and other psychosocial therapies, including those that are simpler and less costly. The only notable difference was a modest improvement in treatment satisfaction with CBT, indicated by fewer participants leaving the study early.

Overall, the findings suggest that CBT does not offer a clear advantage over other psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia. While CBT is widely recommended and researched, the evidence supporting its superiority is limited and of generally low quality. The authors emphasize the need for more rigorous, high-quality studies to draw firmer conclusions about the comparative effectiveness of CBT in this population.

Reference: Jones C, Hacker D, Meaden A, et al. Cognitive behavioural therapy plus standard care versus standard care plus other psychosocial treatments for people with schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;11(11):CD008712. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008712.pub3.