Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Auditory Hallucinations and NLR in Schizophrenia Patients

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an adjunctive treatment to pharmacotherapy in reducing auditory hallucinations and inflammation, as measured by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by positive symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, which significantly impair functioning and quality of life. While antipsychotic medications such as risperidone are effective in managing symptoms, a substantial proportion of patients continue to experience persistent hallucinations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve coping strategies and reduce distress associated with hallucinations. Recent evidence suggests that inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and accessible biomarker of systemic inflammation and has been associated with symptom severity in schizophrenia. However, limited studies have explored whether psychological interventions such as CBT can influence inflammatory markers. This study uses a quasi-experimental design involving two groups: an intervention group receiving CBT in addition to standard pharmacotherapy, and a control group receiving pharmacotherapy alone. CBT will be delivered in structured sessions focusing on cognitive restructuring, behavioral modification, and coping strategies for auditory hallucinations. Clinical outcomes will be assessed using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS) for auditory hallucinations, while inflammatory status will be measured using NLR obtained from peripheral blood samples. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of CBT not only in improving clinical symptoms but also in potentially modulating inflammatory processes in patients with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is associated with both neurobiological and psychosocial dysfunctions, including persistent auditory hallucinations and systemic inflammation. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a potential biomarker reflecting inflammatory processes in schizophrenia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological intervention that helps patients modify maladaptive beliefs and reduce distress related to psychotic symptoms. However, its potential impact on biological markers such as NLR remains underexplored. This study employs a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group. Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia and experiencing auditory hallucinations are divided into two groups: one receiving standard pharmacological treatment with risperidone, and the other receiving adjunctive CBT. The primary outcomes include changes in auditory hallucination severity measured by PSYRATS and changes in NLR levels. The study aims to explore the integration of psychological and biological perspectives in schizophrenia treatment.