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What if a specific type of therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis, CBTp) could help stop psychosis before it starts? Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where a person often sees or hears things that aren't there or believes things that aren’t true. CBTp helps people challenge and change thoughts and related behaviors to cope with thinking distortions, thus helping people manage serious mental health challenges.   

Psychological, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Scientists from 13 research and medical centers reviewed 22 research studies with over 3,700 participants with psychosis who engaged in CBTp. They measured the patient’s quality of life and symptoms. Results? Researchers found that CBTp improved mood, sleep, and self-esteem, and even prevented the first episode of psychosis in people at high risk. Well-being improved in people with persecutory delusions, and helped even when medication was slow or did not work.   

Like any therapy, CBTp has limits. Few specialists and centers may be available, but its positive effects on everyday life are encouraging.  Families, friends, partners, or persons dealing with psychosis, seek and encourage offerings of CBTp in addition to psychiatric medicines.  Together they can have a more rapid path to long-term stability and better quality of life.