[00:00:00] Can persons with schizophrenia have certain ways of thinking that likely maintain their delusions? Australian psychologists wanted to know the relationship between delusions and four cognitive biases Jumping to conclusions with inadequate evidence Ignoring evidence that contradicts one's beliefs not strongly Considering true interpretations even though there is a greater supporting evidence Believing evidence supportive of one's delusional beliefs too easily. A meta analysis of 35 studies examined these biases, comparing persons with and without delusions. Results People with schizophrenia who experienced delusions had stronger cognitive biases than people with schizophrenia without delusions. These cognitive biases were strongest during the acute phases of delusional thinking. A similar pattern appeared in people with other psychiatric conditions who had delusions but not in those without delusions. This suggests these thinking biases are tied to delusions themselves, not just cognitive biases in and of themselves. These these thinking patterns may contribute to maintaining delusions. If cognitive biases fuel delusions, can therapy help persons with delusions identify and challenge their cognitive biases to counter their delusions? Targeting these biases may be the key to better cognitive behavioral therapy and clear minds.
