2 research outputs found
Treating delusional disorder : a comparison of cognitive-behavioural therapy and attention placebo control
Objective: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has proved effective in treating
delusions, both in schizophrenia and delusional disorder (DD). Clinical trials of DD have
mostly compared CBT with either treatment as usual, no treatment, or a wait-list control.
This current study aimed to assess patients with DD who received CBT, compared with an
attention placebo control (APC) group.
Method: Twenty-four individuals with DD were randomly allocated into either CBT or
APC groups for a 24-week treatment period. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of
structured clinical interviews for mental disorders and the Maudsley Assessment of
Delusion Schedule (MADS).
Results: Completers in both groups (n = 11 for CBT; n = 6 for APC) showed clinical
improvement on the MADS dimensions of Strength of Conviction, Insight, Preoccupation,
Systematization, Affect Relating to Belief, Belief Maintenance Factors, and Idiosyncrasy
of Belief.
Conclusion: When compared with APC, CBT produced more impact on the MADS
dimensions for Affect Relating to Belief, Strength of Conviction, and Positive Actions on
Beliefs