The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Depression and anxiety are prominent comorbid disorders in psychosis and relevant to psychotic symptom formation and maintenance. This poses the question of whether psychological interventions are effective in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with psychosis. A systematic review of the literature identified 14 studies evaluating a broad range of interventions targeting depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with psychosis. The reviewed studies support the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral interventions in improving the target symptoms. Further research is needed to examine whether the effects carry over to psychotic symptoms in the long term.