Group cognitive-behavioral therapy for early psychosis

Relapse following stabilization of acute psychotic symptoms is common. Psychosocial intervention following stabilization is essential to improve long-term outcome in patients with first-episode or recent-onset psychosis. The present study investigated the efficacy of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in further improving clinical status in stable outpatients with first-episode or recent-onset (≤5 years) psychosis. Twenty four patients participated in 12 weekly sessions. Clinical variables were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Primary outcome measures were the Ambiguous Intention Hostility Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scales. Secondary outcome measures included self-report scales evaluating emotion, functioning, insight, and schemas. Treatment significantly improved the primary and most of the secondary outcome measures. Insight was not significantly changed. Moderate correlations were observed between the primary and some secondary outcome measures. The results indicate that group CBT further improves the clinical status of stable outpatients with first-episode or recent-onset psychosis.