Controlled Study on Long-term Effect of Cognitive Behavior Intervention on First Episode Schizophrenia.

OBJETIVE: To study the long term effect of cognitive behavior intervention on first episode schizophrenia Method:251 first episode schizophrenics were randomly divided into intervention group (receiving cognitive behavior intervention and regular antipsychotics, n=126) and control group (receiving regular antipsychotics only, n=125) There was no significant difference of antipsychotics used between the two groups Both groups were followed for 2 years, using PANSS (positive and negative symptom scale) to assess the severity of symptoms The rate of relapse, compliance with treatment and insight to illness were also recorded. RESULT:The intervention group had lower rates of relapse (1 6% at half-year in follow up, 7 1% at the end of 2 years follow up) than control (12 8% and 23 2% respectively) The total score and factor scores of PANSS were lower in intervention groups Patients in intervention groups had also better insight to illness and better compliance to treatment CONCLUSIONS:The cognitive behavior intervention is benefit patients with first episode schizophrenia