London–East Anglia randomised controlled trial of cognitive–behavioural therapy for psychosis

Abstract

BackgroundA series of small, mainly uncontrolled, studies have suggested that techniques adapted from cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression can improve outcome in psychosis, but no large randomised controlled trial of intensive treatment for medication-resistant symptoms of psychosis has previously been published.MethodSixty participants who each had at least one positive and distressing symptom of psychosis that was medication-resistant were randomly allocated between a CBT and standard care condition (n=28) and a standard care only control condition (n=32). Therapy was individualised, and lasted for nine months. Multiple assessments of outcome were used.ResultsOver nine months, improvement was significant only in the treatment group, who showed a 25% reduction on the BPRS. No other clinical, symptomatic or functioning measure changed significantly. Participants had a low drop-out rate from therapy (11%), and expressed high levels of satisfaction with treatment (80%). Fifty per cent of the CBT group were treatment responders (one person became worse), compared with 31% of the control group (three people became worse and another committed suicide)ConclusionsCBT for psychosis can improve overall symptomatology. The findings provide evidence that even a refractory group of clients with a long history of psychosis can engage in talking about psychotic symptoms and their meaning, and this can improve outcome.