INVITED SYMPOSIUM: New Developments in Schema Therapy


 

Submission type

Symposium

Scheduled

Parallel Session III: Graanbeurszaal, 08-06-2018, 13:00 - 14:30

Beknopte samenvatting van de totale bijdrage

The interest in Schema Therapy (ST) as an integrative treatment for various forms of chronic psychopathology related to characterological problems is rapidly increasing. In this symposium recent developments in schema therapy will be presented by an international group of researchers.

Auteurs

Arnoud Arntz

Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders: therapeutic innovations for working with complexity and comorbidity.

Simpson, S. (Susan)

 

Abstract ID

1309

Submission type

Oral only

Introductie

High levels of psychiatric comorbidity amongst eating disorder sufferers is associated with reduced effectiveness and higher dropout, even in response to gold-standard treatments. Given the promising outcomes for Schema Therapy with a range of characterological problems, it appears well suited to address those with comorbid eating and personality disorders and/or rigid traits.

Materiaal en methodes

This paper reviews recent developments of the Schema Therapy approach for Eating Disorders through: 1) A narrative review summarising research evaluating treatment outcomes for Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders. 2) A case example that demonstrates the Schema Therapy case conceptualisation of eating disorders, incorporating recent relevant research findings.

Resultaten

Preliminary studies indicate Schema Therapy shows promise as a treatment for complex eating disorders that are resistant to standard treatments. A transdiagnostic case conceptualisation for eating disorders demonstrates the way in which this approach can be utilised to concurrently address eating and personality pathology in those with more complex and chronic presentations.

Conclusie

Preliminary research indicates that Schema Therapy holds promise as an approach for those with complex eating disorders.There is an urgent need for further research into the effectiveness of Schema Therapy as a treatment for eating disorder pathology alongside complex comorbidity, and rigid personality traits.

Auteurs

Susan Simpson

Schema therapy for Dissociative Identity Disorder

Rijkeboer, M. (Marleen), Huntjens, R. (Rafale)

 

Abstract ID

1310

Submission type

Oral only

Introductie

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex, severe, and highly disabling disorder that is associated with childhood trauma. Hitherto, effect studies of DID treatment are scarce, and results indicate that it is suboptimal (e.g., lengthy, high drop-out rates, in many cases stabilization only). As experimental studies have indicated that identity (memory) functioning is less compartmentalized than previously thought, schema therapy (ST) seems a feasible option, whilst ST has established effectiveness in other trauma-related disorders. An adapted form of schema therapy (ST) was developed and is currently tested in a multiple baseline case series design.

Materiaal en methodes

Two issues will be discussed: 1) Experimental research into inter-identity functioning 2) Background of schema therapy for DID; what are the main adaptions?

Resultaten

The mode model offers a viable treatment alternative, and first observations with ST for DID are positive, e.g., shifting between modes becomes less extreme, and daily functioning improves.

Conclusie

ST is a promising treatment for DID, whilst it is in line with experimental research into the nature of DID, and it helps patients to normalize their symptoms while providing an explanation for the subjective experience of separate identities. However, more research into the effectiveness of ST for DID is urgently needed.

Auteurs

Marleen Rijkeboer

Rafale Huntjens

Schema Therapy for Personality Disorders

Arntz, A.R. (Arnoud)

 

Abstract ID

1307

Submission type

Oral only

Introductie

Schema therapy (ST) became well-known as treatment for borderline personality disorder (PD). Since then, applications for most other PDs have been developed and tested, and group-ST was developed.

Materiaal en methodes

An overview of recent developments and research into effectiveness and mechanisms of change is presented.

Resultaten

The focus of ST on schema modes (momentary emotional-cognitive-behavioral states) made flexible application for various PDs possible. Research demonstrated high acceptability by patients (low dropout rates) and high clinical effectiveness. Mechanisms of change research indicates that treatment should especially focus on the vulnerable (“Vulnerable Child Mode”) and on the healthy sides of patients (“Healthy Adult Mode”). Group applications of ST are promising but it is yet unclear what the optimal balance is between group and individual sessions.

Conclusie

Research supports that ST is an acceptable and effective treatment for PDs. However, the empirical evidence base is still limited, especially for group applications. The challenge for implementation and replication research is the proper training of therapists and the application in correct intensity and frequency. A risk is underusing experiential techniques, turning ST into talking that has suboptimal effects.

Auteurs

Arnoud Arntz

Schema Therapy of Depression

Kopf-Beck, J. (Johannes), Kopf-Beck, J., Egli, S., Rein, M., Kappelmann, N., Fietz, J.

 

Abstract ID

1308

Submission type

Oral only

Introductie

The presented large scale randomized controlled trial focuses on the effectiveness of Schema Therapy (ST) for patients suffering from depressive disorder in an inpatient and day clinic setting comparing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individualized supportive therapy (IST) and ST. The main research goal is to test the persistent effectiveness of ST and to identify predictors of treatment response. In the ST treatment condition, study participants receive an intense combined group- and single session ST programme utilising among others chair dialogues, imagination techniques and limited reparenting over the course of seven weeks. The group sessions alternate with an emotion focused and transfer-oriented approach. Our Schema Therapy concept of depression is based on two prototypical coping styles of Early Maladaptive Schemas: (i) a more passive, avoidance-oriented, and enduring coping style (ii) and a more active, control-oriented, and overcompensating coping style.

Materiaal en methodes

In order to assess treatment response and effectiveness, we apply a variety of measures such as self reports, expert ratings, cognitive testing, imaging, and actimetry. We also measure biomarkers such as inflammatory parameters and genetics.

Resultaten

We will present some preliminary data, which suggest the feasibility of the design, first results, and indications on effectiveness of treatment.

Conclusie

Underlying processes and implications are discussed.

Auteurs

Johannes Kopf-Beck

J. Kopf-Beck

S. Egli

M. Rein

N. Kappelmann

J. Fietz