Three-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of cognitive therapy for the prevention of psychosis in people at ultrahigh risk

Schizophr Bull. 2007 May;33(3):682-7. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbl042. Epub 2006 Sep 14.

Abstract

There have been recent advances in the ability to identify people at high risk of developing psychosis. This has led to interest in the possibility of preventing the development of psychosis. A randomized controlled trial compared cognitive therapy (CT) over 6 months with monthly monitoring in 58 patients meeting criteria for ultrahigh risk of developing a first episode of psychosis. Participants were followed up over a 3-year period. Logistic regression demonstrated that CT significantly reduced likelihood of being prescribed antipsychotic medication over a 3-year period, but it did not affect transition to psychosis defined using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or probable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosis. However, exploratory analyses revealed that CT significantly reduced the likelihood of making progression to psychosis as defined on the PANSS over 3 years after controlling for baseline cognitive factors. Follow-up rate at 3 years was 47%. There appear to be enduring benefits of CT over the long term, suggesting that it is an efficacious intervention for people at high risk of developing psychosis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Early Diagnosis
  • England
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / prevention & control*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / therapy*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents