Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with aripiprazole in the treatment of schizophrenia: effects on cognitive function and psychological state

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with aripiprazole on clinical symptoms, cognitive function, and emotional state in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A single-center retrospective controlled design was used, with data from the electronic medical records of the psychiatry department of Liupanshui Shuikuang hospital. A total of 168 patients were included and divided into two groups based on whether they received structured CBT intervention: the combined treatment group (aripiprazole + CBT) and the monotherapy group (aripiprazole only), with 84 patients in each group. Propensity score matching was used to reduce bias, and the clinical symptoms, cognitive function, and emotional state of patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Results: The combined treatment group showed significant improvements in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) compared to the monotherapy group (P < 0.05). In terms of quality of life, the combined treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS) total score compared to the monotherapy group (P = 0.006). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that CBT combined treatment significantly enhanced the improvement in PANSS total score and MoCA score, and was associated with reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. An increase in treatment frequency and intensity further enhanced efficacy. Subgroup analysis showed better treatment responses in younger patients and those with a shorter disease duration. Conclusion: CBT combined with aripiprazole significantly improves the psychiatric symptoms, cognitive function, and emotional state of patients with schizophrenia, and the frequency and intensity of treatment have a positive impact on efficacy.