The negative symptoms of psychosis : a psychological perspective of their treatment and impact on parental carers

• Main Author: Spurling, Imogen
• Published: University of Warwick 2010
• Subjects: 150; RC Internal medicine
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.640927

The negative symptoms of schizophrenia have a significant effect both on the lives of those experiencing them and their carers. Despite their recognition as a core element of the illness, there has been relatively little research focusing on their impact and amelioration, from a psychological perspective, compared with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. This thesis includes three chapters: the first, a literature review, examines the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions targeting the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The studies reviewed are divided into three broad categories (activity based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and integrated therapy) and the empirical contribution of each is examined in relation to its methodological strengths and weaknesses. The second chapter, an empirical paper, explores the impact of negative symptoms on parental carers of those experiencing these symptoms during early psychosis. The analysis of interviews with six parents revealed two superordinate themes, the clinical and research implications of which are discussed. The third chapter is a reflective account of the research process in relation to both personal and professional learning.