Publication Date

2011

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Schizophrenia-Treatment, Psychoses-Treatment, Cognitive therapy, Ego (Psychology), Crisis intervention (Mental health services), First episode psychosis, Early intervention, Ego supportive therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy

Abstract

This theoretical study is an exploration of the use of ego psychological and cognitive behavioral interventions as an integrative treatment for the beginning phase of schizophrenia known as first episode psychosis. Schizophrenia develops as first episode psychosis in young adults who are navigating complex developmental tasks. Current research on schizophrenia treatment indicates that appropriate and prompt care following first episode psychosis improves prognosis and allows individuals to regain and maintain developmentally appropriate levels of functioning. This study was undertaken in an effort to identify the holistic treatment needs of young adults experiencing first episode psychosis. The clinical phenomenon of schizophrenia and first episode psychosis was described. Then schizophrenia was conceptualized from an ego psychological and cognitive behavioral orientation. Treatment methods associated with each methodology were detailed and each theory was applied to first episode psychosis. The two theoretical orientations, ego psychology and cognitive behavioral treatment, were applied to a first episode psychosis case. A discussion follows which highlights the importance of utilizing interventions from both modalities to ensure treatment needs are met for first episode psychosis clients.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 105 p. : ill. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2011. Includes bibliographical references (p. 98-105)

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