Psychotherapy for Psychosis, Adverse Events, and Substance Misuse
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2023-01-15
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Research has found that adversity (e.g., abuse) and substance use (i.e., drug and alcohol
use) influence an individual with a psychotic disorder's recovery: people with psychosis have
significantly higher rates of adversity and substance use than people with other mental
illnesses. Currently, there are few treatment options for people living with psychosis,
substance misuse, and adversity-related symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression). This is
especially true for young adults who are in the first years of a psychotic illness (i.e.,
early phase psychosis; EPP) who may be in the best position to benefit from treatment.
Research has demonstrated that Prolonged Exposure (PE), a psychological therapy, may be
appropriate for people in EPP, although there is limited evidence regarding its adaptation
from use in chronic psychosis to EPP. The aim of the proposed study is to adapt and optimize
PE therapy for young adults in EPP. We aim to recruit 20 individuals from the Nova Scotia
Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP) aged 19-35 who will participate in 15 sessions of adapted PE;
we will compare their scores before and after treatment on measures of psychotic symptoms,
amount and frequency of substance use, and adversity-related problems. Our goal is to improve
two qualities that may be contributing to worse outcomes: avoidance and hopelessness. These
are addressed by facing feared reminders of adversity and learning new ways to think about
adverse experiences and mental health problems. The application of this evidence-based
intervention has the potential to create a new treatment avenue for EPP, reducing impairment
and distress, and improving recovery rates.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Collaborators:
Killam Laureates Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Foundation Research Nova Scotia