Detection and Modification of Maladaptive Schemas to Prevent a First Psychotic Episode in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling diseases worldwide. That is why it is crucial to work on its prevention. While several early intervention programs worked on preventing schizophrenia by implementing cognitive therapy, none of them focused on cognitive schemata. Schemata are the most basic and deep structure of cognitive organization. Schemataregulate information processing and provide meaning to experiences. Maladaptive schemata produce biased interpretations of reality, typical of a large number of disorders, including schizophrenia. The aim of this paper is to argue about the importance of early detection and modification of maladaptive schemes in preventing a first psychotic episode in schizophrenia. The methodology used is the comprehensive literature search in various databases, followed by a selection of the literature and its critical analysis.