Randomized comparison of group cognitive behaviour therapy and group psychoeducation in acute patients with schizophrenia: effects on subjective quality of life

Objective: Although the clinical efficacy of cogntive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been established for patients with schizophrenia, the data on effects on quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the effects of a brief group CBT and a group psychoeducational (PE) programme in patients with schizophrenia on QoL. Method: A total of 88 inpatients with schizophrenia were randomized to receive a therapy envelope of 8 weeks including either 16 sessions of group CBT or eight sessions of group PE treatment. QoL was assessed using the Modular System for Quality of Life at baseline, post-treatment assessment and 6 month follow up. Results: QoL improved significantly in both treatments in most QoL dimensions. Within-group effect sizes for general QoL at follow up were 0.25 for CBT and 0.29 for PE. No significant differences between CBT and PE were found at post-treatment and at 6 month follow up. Conclusions: Both brief group CBT and group PE improve subjective QoL in patients with schizophrenia.