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Psychological interventions in early psychosis
1School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Science Park, UK. ghaddock@fsl.with.man.ac.uk
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|July 12, 2005
Summary
Psychological treatments, including family and cognitive-behavioral interventions, show promise as adjuncts for early psychosis patients. More research is needed to optimize these approaches for first-episode schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Psychological treatments are established adjuncts to antipsychotic medication for chronic schizophrenia.
- Research has primarily focused on treatment-resistant populations, with limited evaluation in first-episode schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on cognitive-behavioral individual and family interventions for early psychosis.
- To assess the acceptability, retention, and potential benefits of these interventions in first-episode schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of controlled trials and studies on psychological interventions in early psychosis.
- Analysis of evidence regarding patient acceptance, treatment retention, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Psychological interventions appear acceptable and retainable for first-episode patients.
- Some evidence suggests advantages over standard care, including reduced transition to psychosis, decreased symptoms, and improved caregiver outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Psychological treatments may benefit individuals experiencing a first episode of schizophrenia.
- Further research is crucial to address developmental needs, substance use, and phase-specific treatment for this population.