Cognitive behavioral therapy and functional and metacognitive outcomes in schizophrenia: A single case study

While much attention has been paid to how CBT can address symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, less is known about how it might be applied to target psychosocial dysfunction. This case study describes the treatment of a man with schizophrenia over a 6-month period using the Indianapolis Vocational Intervention Protocol (IVIP). The IVIP offered a paid work placement and concurrent group and individual CBT to address dysfunctional beliefs that interfere with effective work function. Therapeutic strategies employed focused on enhancing metacognition and identifying and restructuring dysfunctional beliefs about self and work. Gains were noted in metacognitive capacity along with decreases in the intensity of salient dysfunctional beliefs. Work behaviors were observed to improve and symptoms of emotional discomfort were reduced.