Gender-specific group cognitive behavioral therapy for women with at-risk mental state: A randomized controlled trial

Gender differences in individuals at risk mental state (ARMS) highlight the need for mental health service tailored to gender-specific needs. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recognized as an effective intervention for psychotic disorders and ARMS, research on gender-specific CBT for ARMS is limited. This study compares the effects of group CBT with psychoeducation on functional and symptomatic outcomes, and the likelihood of transition to psychosis, in women with ARMS. One hundred and Seventy-eight women with ARMS were recruited and randomly assigned to either women-specific group CBT or psychoeducation. Functioning and symptomatic outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, and transition to psychosis was evaluated 12 months after the initial assessment. Both interventions showed significant improvements in overall functioning and reductions in delusion severity but without a significant interaction between the groups. However, participants who completed the full course of group CBT exhibited substantial improvements in overall functioning and a notable reduction in auditory hallucinations compared to the psychoeducation group. None of the participants developed psychosis during the treatment period or the 12-month follow-up. The findings suggest that group CBT can effectively enhance functional and symptomatic outcomes, provided a sufficient intervention dosage is maintained.