A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy versus non-directive reflective listening for young people at ultra high risk of developing psychosis: The detection and evaluation of psychological therapy (DEPTh) trial

Helen Stain, Sandra Bucci, Amanda Baker, Vaughn Carr, Richard Emsley, Sean Halpin, Terry Lewin, Ulrich Schall, Vanessa Clarke, Kyle Crittenden, Mike Startup

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57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Intervention trials for young people at ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis have shown cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to have promising effects on treating psychotic symptoms but have not focused on functional outcomes. We hypothesized that compared to an active control, CBT would: (i) reduce the likelihood of, and/or delay, transition to psychosis; (ii) reduce symptom severity while improving social functioning and quality of life, whether or not transition occurred. Method: This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial for young people at UHR for psychosis comparing CBT to an active control condition, Non Directive Reflective Listening (NDRL), both in addition to standard care, with a 6 month treatment phase and 12 months of follow-up. Statistical analysis is based on intention-to-treat and used random effect models to estimate treatment effects common to all time-points. Results:
Fifty-seven young people (mean age = 16.5 years) were randomised to CBT (n = 30) or NDRL (n = 27). Rate of transition to psychosis was 5%; the 3 transitions occurred in the CBT condition (baseline, 2 months, 5 months respectively). The NDRL condition resulted in a significantly greater reduction in distress associated with psychotic symptoms compared to CBT (treatment effect = 36.71, standard error = 16.84, p = 0.029). There were no significant treatment effects on frequency and intensity of psychotic symptoms, global, social or role functioning. Conclusion: Our sample was higher functioning, younger and experiencing lower levels of psychotic like experiences than other trials. The significantly better treatment effect of NDRL on distress associated with psychotic symptoms supports the recommendations for a stepped-care model of service delivery. This treatment approach would accommodate the younger UHR population and facilitate timely intervention.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)212-219
JournalSchizophrenia Research
Volume176
Issue number2-3
Early online date20 Aug 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ultra high risk
  • at risk mental state
  • intervention
  • psychosis
  • youth

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