[Schizophrenia and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy].
To distinguish between different approaches of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia depending on the goals, objectives and methods of these approaches, then to discuss efficacy studies. A summary of information collected through electronic (MEDLINE, PSYchlit) and bibliographic research. CBTs all broadly attempt to bring a better cognitive, behavioural and emotional adjustment to the psychotic experience by suggesting to the patient a new explanatory model of psychosis: the vulnerability-stress model. These approaches involve different levels and goals. Some focus on correcting basic cognitive deficits or modifying the psychotic symptoms and the related distress. At the other end of the spectrum, metacognitive therapies aim to modify and restructure dysfunctional self and environment schemas to enable the development of better-adjusted and generally applied cognitive strategies. A few studies with limited power and methods have shown the efficiency of those therapies. CBTs prove to be a promising additive treatment. They have been shown to improve social adjustment and quality of life, and to diminish psychotic symptoms and the related distress. They address all positive, negative, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional symptoms while considering the stage of the disease and the patient's special needs. Further research is needed to establish the duration, the best provision frequency, and the specificity of these approaches.