The CBT of delusional disorder: The relationship between schema vulnerability and psychotic content

Abstract

This paper reports the process, interventions, and outcome of the cognitive-behavioural therapy of a patient who had a diagnosis of delusional disorder. The clinical features, process of therapy, and successful outcome are all discussed in relation to explanatory information processing models of delusion development and maintenance, and recent developments in formulation-driven CBT of delusions. The implications for therapy, service development, and training are discussed. Beliefs that mediate the relationship between core schemas and delusions may form a helpful focus for early therapeutic endeavour in psychosis.