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Parkinson S, Cole B, Trevelyan C. Art and mentalizing in early intervention psychosis: rationale and therapist insights on a new psychoeducational course. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1243990. [PMID: 39011340 PMCID: PMC11248587 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1243990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we explore the rationale for a combined art therapy and mentalization-based treatment (MBT) group course for those experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). We discuss the theoretical background for how art and MBT theory can help us better understand and work with groups of individuals experiencing FEP, particularly focusing on avoidance and insecure attachment styles. We outline the delivery of a ten-week psychoeducational Art MBT course within an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service and discuss our experiential insights into this new modality as co-therapists. We conclude by proposing that art therapy and mentalizing practice together offer an accessible, useful and practical group structure for EIP services, which could improve individuals' mentalizing capacity and overall social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bethany Cole
- *Correspondence: Sarah Parkinson, ; Bethany Cole,
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2
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Sanz P, Tur N, Lana F. Mentalization-based approach for schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a psychotherapeutic proposal for evolved schizophrenic trajectories and serious mental disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1240393. [PMID: 38779549 PMCID: PMC11109361 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1240393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in psychotherapeutic approaches to pre-psychotic high-risk states or first-episode psychosis, where mentalization-based treatment has shown its utility. This article presents a mentalization-based approach for the treatment of those individuals diagnosed with an evolved schizophrenia spectrum disorder, whose characteristics make them especially inaccessible to reflective psychotherapeutic treatment. A synthesis of the conceptual frameworks that justify the needs for technical modification of the mentalization-based treatment foundational techniques is carried out, followed by the proposal of adaptations, with a focus in self-agency and patient-therapist dyad. Therapeutic interventions are outlined, including illustrative examples. The mentalizing approach presented here holds promise for future research and treatment opportunities for patients with evolved schizophrenia and other serious mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sanz
- Programa de Trastorno Mental Grave, Area de Gestión Clínica de Psiquiatria y Salud Mental (AGCPSM), Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Tur
- Servicio de Psiquiatria, Unidad del Niño y Adolescente, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Lana
- Instituto de Neuropsiquiatría y Adiciones (INAD), Centro Emili Mira y Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, EspañaIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Wiesepape CN, Smith EA, Hillis-Mascia JD, Queller Soza SE, Morris MM, James AV, Stokes A. Metacognition as a Transdiagnostic Determinant of Recovery in Schizotypy and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:336. [PMID: 38667132 PMCID: PMC11047686 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The term schizotypy refers to the latent personality organization that is thought to underpin the liability to develop schizophrenia and associated disorders. Metacognition, or the ability to understand and form increasingly complex and integrated ideas of oneself, others, and one's community, has been proposed to be an important transdiagnostic construct across schizophrenia spectrum disorders and a range of both clinical and non-clinical manifestations of schizotypy. In this paper, we review evidence that deficits in metacognition are present in individuals with relatively high levels of schizotypy and that these deficits are related to symptomology, function, and quality of life. We address the idea that decrements in metacognition may also contribute to the progression from schizotypy to more severe manifestations, while the amelioration of these deficits may enhance aspects of recovery, including the ability to form an integrated sense of self, others, and the wider world. We also review the following two recovery-oriented psychotherapies that target metacognition to promote recovery in individuals with clinical manifestations of schizotypy: Evolutionary Systems Therapy for Schizotypy (ESTS) and Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney N Wiesepape
- Austin VA Clinic, Veterans Affairs Central Texas Health Care, Austin, TX 78744, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Smith
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
| | | | | | - Madyson M Morris
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Alexis Stokes
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
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4
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Costa-Cordella S, Soto-Icaza P, Borgeaud K, Grasso-Cladera A, Malberg NT. Towards a comprehensive approach to mentalization-based treatment for children with autism: integrating attachment, neurosciences, and mentalizing. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1259432. [PMID: 38098626 PMCID: PMC10719951 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1259432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed based on socio-communicative difficulties, which are believed to result from deficits in mentalizing, mainly evidenced by alterations in recognizing and responding to the mental states of others. In recent years, efforts have been made to develop mentalization-based treatment (MBT) models for this population. These models focus on enhancing individuals' ability to understand and reflect on their own mental states, as well as those of others. However, MBT approaches for people with ASD are limited by their existing theoretical background, which lacks a strong foundation grounded in neuroscience-based evidence properly integrated with attachment, and mentalizing. These are crucial aspects for understanding psychological processes in autism, and as such, they play a pivotal role in shaping the development of tailored and effective therapeutic strategies for this specific population. In this paper we review evidence related to the neurobiological, interpersonal, and psychological dimensions of autism and their implications for mentalizing processes. We also review previous mentalization-based frameworks on the psychosis continuum to provide a comprehensive understanding of attachment, neurobiology, and mentalization domains in therapeutic approaches for autism. After presenting a synthesis of the literature, we offer a set of clinical strategies for the work with children with autism. Finally, we provide recommendations to advance the field towards more robust models that can serve as a basis for evidence-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanella Costa-Cordella
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia y Neuropsicología Humana, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Soto-Icaza
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación (neuroCICS), Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social (CICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Aitana Grasso-Cladera
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia y Neuropsicología Humana, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
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5
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Nonweiler J, Torrecilla P, Kwapil TR, Ballespí S, Barrantes-Vidal N. I don't understand how I feel: mediating role of impaired self-mentalizing in the relationship between childhood adversity and psychosis spectrum experiences. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1268247. [PMID: 38098634 PMCID: PMC10719857 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1268247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood adversity is associated with the severity of multiple dimensions of psychosis, but the mechanisms underpinning the close link between the two constructs is unclear. Mentalization may underlie this relationship, as impaired mentalizing is found in various stages of the psychosis continuum. Nonetheless, the differential roles of self- and other-mentalizing in psychosis are not well understood. Methods Parallel multiple mediation was conducted for the relationship between a diverse range of childhood adversity types, including intentional and nonintentional harm, and schizotypy (positive, negative, disorganized), psychotic-like experiences (PLE) and paranoia via self-mentalizing (attention to emotions and emotional clarity) and other-mentalizing in n = 1,156 nonclinically ascertained young adults. Results Significant parallel multiple mediation models were found for all psychotic outcomes except negative schizotypy. The associations between intentionally harmful childhood adversity and psychotic outcomes were significantly mediated by increased attention to emotions for most models and decreased emotional clarity for some models. No significant mediation was found for parental loss. Paternal abuse was only mediated by attention to emotions whereas the effects of maternal abuse were mediated by attention to emotions and emotional clarity. Other-mentalizing only showed mediating effects on one of thirty models tested. Conclusion Results highlight the mediating role of impaired self-mentalizing in the association between childhood adversity and psychosis. This is consistent with disturbances of self-concept and self-boundary characterizing, in particular, the positive dimension of psychosis. Maternal versus paternal figures may contribute differentially to the development of mentalizing. These results could inform future preventative interventions, focusing on the development and maintenance of self-mentalizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nonweiler
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Torrecilla
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas R. Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Sergi Ballespí
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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6
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De Salve F, Rossi C, Oasi O. Mentalizing in individuals with state and trait risk for psychosis: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1214385. [PMID: 37915797 PMCID: PMC10616828 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1214385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mentalization is an umbrella concept defined as the ability to interpret one's and others' mental states. Previous studies have hypothesized that mentalization may be a crucial resilience factor that significantly moderates the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in individuals with both state and trait risk factors for the illness. Purpose The study reviews the role of mentalizing abilities (e.g., reflective functioning, Theory of Mind (ToM), and metacognition) in young adults with At-Risk Mental States (ARMS) and schizotypal traits. Specifically, the objective is to include articles that (a) evaluate the links between low mentalizing and both state (ARMS/CHR) and trait (schizotypy) risk for psychosis (b) compare the differences in mentalizing abilities between individuals with ARMS, schizotypy, full-blown psychosis, and healthy controls. Method Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were used to search for articles, while Rayyan was employed to facilitate the screening and selection of studies. Eligible studies are original English-language; peer-reviewed research articles on populations that met validated risk diagnostic criteria for psychosis, ARMS, and healthy controls; empirical studies evaluating the association or differences between psychotic risk and mentalizing abilities. Non-English language studies, the ones not considering state or trait risk for psychosis, and qualitative studies were excluded. After the application of the PRISMA checklist and the inclusion and exclusion criteria previously mentioned, 10 articles were extracted. The systematic review has been registered on Prospero (CRD42023397594). Results Low levels of reflective functioning and metacognition may predict a transition to psychosis. In addition, reflective functioning and metacognitive impairments are associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms in both state risk groups and in non-clinical individuals with schizotypal traits. Concerning ToM tasks, mixed results emerged. Conclusion The results obtained from the review suggest that the application of strategies to attenuate maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and low mentalization may be equally effective in improving psychotic symptoms. The assessment of mentalization and metacognition could potentially provide additional prognostic value over factors predisposing to psychosis. Good mentalization and metacognition functioning should be considered as protective factors able to minimize the transition to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Salve
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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7
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Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Mentalization Scale in the general population and patients with schizophrenia: A multicenter study in China. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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8
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Archer M, Shnyien A, Mansfield S, Draycott S. Mentalizing in first-episode psychosis: Correlates with symptomatology and traits of borderline personality disorder. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022. [PMID: 36181363 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the associations between mentalizing, positive and negative symptoms of psychosis, and traits of borderline personality disorder, in a sample of patients with first-episode psychosis, and in a non-clinical sample. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. Thirty-two adults with first-episode psychosis and 148 non-clinical participants were assessed using the reflective functioning questionnaire. The questionnaire measures two dimensions of mentalizing, certainty and uncertainty about mental states. Traits of borderline personality disorder and symptoms of psychosis were measured using the self-report version of the Zanarini rating scale, the Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences, and the Green et al., paranoid thought scale. RESULTS Patients with first-episode psychosis reported increased mentalizing impairments, characterized as hypomentalizing tendencies, compared to the non-clinical group. Regression analysis showed significant associations between higher scores on the uncertainty about mental states scale and negative symptoms of psychosis in both groups. No associations were found between mentalizing impairments and traits of borderline personality disorder in the clinical sample, although associations were found in the non-clinical sample. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggests that impairments in mentalizing may be associated with negative symptoms of psychosis across both clinical and non-clinical samples. Mentalizing impairments was found to be associated with traits of borderline personality disorder, but this finding was only confirmed in the non-clinical sample. Mentalizing should therefore be considered in the early assessment and treatment of patients experiencing difficulties with negative symptoms of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Shnyien
- University of Surrey, Guildford, England, UK
| | - Sarah Mansfield
- South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Simon Draycott
- University of Surrey, Guildford, England, UK.,West London NHS Trust, London, England, UK
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9
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Swanson L, Schwannauer M, Bird T, Eliasson E, Millar A, Moritz S, Griffiths H. Metacognitive Training Modified for Negative Symptoms (MCT-N): A Feasibility study. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:1068-1079. [PMID: 34792834 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although patients often prioritise the treatment of negative symptoms, few psychological interventions targeting negative symptoms exist. This study attempts to fill this gap by piloting a modified Metacognitive training programme, specifically targeted at negative symptoms (MCT-N), with a group of patients with prominent negative symptoms. METHOD We adopted a mixed methods case series design, providing detailed quantitative data on changes over time, to focus on potential mechanisms underlying the intervention, in combination with qualitative interviews. RESULTS The intervention showed good feasibility as demonstrated by the attendance rate, the positive feedback from participants and the multidisciplinary team, and the improvements on negative symptoms observed following the intervention. Multilevel modelling showed that depression, internalised stigma, and reflective functioning explained the variance in negative symptoms. DISCUSSION The pilot study indicated that the intervention has high feasibility and that improvements in negative symptoms can be partially explained by improvements on depression, stigma, and reflective functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Swanson
- University of Edinburgh, UK, Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Edinburgh.,NHS Lothian, UK, Psychology Department, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh.,Region Sörmland, Sweden, Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Eskilstuna
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- University of Edinburgh, UK, Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Edinburgh
| | - Tim Bird
- University of Edinburgh, UK, Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Edinburgh
| | - Emma Eliasson
- University of Edinburgh, UK, Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Edinburgh
| | - Audrey Millar
- NHS Lothian, UK, Psychology Department, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
| | - Steffen Moritz
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg
| | - Helen Griffiths
- University of Edinburgh, UK, Section of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Edinburgh
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10
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Hasson-Ohayon I, Cheli S, Lysaker PH. Emerging psychotherapeutic approaches to addressing self-experience in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:1781-1785. [PMID: 34460960 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Growing awareness that many who are diagnosed with schizophrenia recover has spurred the development of new psychosocial approaches to treatment. These new approaches include forms of individual and group psychotherapy whose focus extends beyond reducing symptoms and improving skills to subjective outcomes related to sense of self. This paper introduces an issue of In Session which presents six case reports which illustrating these approaches in differing international contexts. First, we explore the larger issues of subjective outcomes from schizophrenia. We then discuss each of the papers separately along with implications of these papers as a group for how treatment might promote the recapturing of a sense of self or place in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Center for Psychology and Health, Tages Charity, Florence, Italy
| | - Paul H Lysaker
- Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Lysaker PH, Cheli S, Dimaggio G, Buck B, Bonfils KA, Huling K, Wiesepape C, Lysaker JT. Metacognition, social cognition, and mentalizing in psychosis: are these distinct constructs when it comes to subjective experience or are we just splitting hairs? BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:329. [PMID: 34215225 PMCID: PMC8254212 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research using the integrated model of metacognition has suggested that the construct of metacognition could quantify the spectrum of activities that, if impaired, might cause many of the subjective disturbances found in psychosis. Research on social cognition and mentalizing in psychosis, however, has also pointed to underlying deficits in how persons make sense of their experience of themselves and others. To explore the question of whether metacognitive research in psychosis offers unique insight in the midst of these other two emerging fields, we have offered a review of the constructs and research from each field. Following that summary, we discuss ways in which research on metacognition may be distinguished from research on social cognition and mentalizing in three broad categories: (1) experimental procedures, (2) theoretical advances, and (3) clinical applications or indicated interventions. In terms of its research methods, we will describe how metacognition makes a unique contribution to understanding disturbances in how persons make sense of and interpret their own experiences within the flow of life. We will next discuss how metacognitive research in psychosis uniquely describes an architecture which when compromised - as often occurs in psychosis - results in the loss of persons' sense of purpose, possibilities, place in the world and cohesiveness of self. Turning to clinical issues, we explore how metacognitive research offers an operational model of the architecture which if repaired or restored should promote the recovery of a coherent sense of self and others in psychosis. Finally, we discuss the concrete implications of this for recovery-oriented treatment for psychosis as well as the need for further research on the commonalities of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Lysaker
- Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, 1481 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - S Cheli
- University of Florence, School of Human Health Sciences, Piazza di San Marco, 4, 50121, Florence, FI, Italy
| | - G Dimaggio
- Terzocentro di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva, Via Ravenna, 9, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - B Buck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, 1851 NE Grant Ln., Seattle, WA, 98185, USA
| | - K A Bonfils
- University of Southern Mississippi, School of Psychology, 118 College Dr., Hattiesbury, MS, 39406, USA
| | - K Huling
- University of Indianapolis, School of Psychological Sciences, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46277, USA
| | - C Wiesepape
- Indiana State University, Department of Psychology, 200 N. 7th St., Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA
| | - J T Lysaker
- Department of Philosophy, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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12
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Salaminios G, Morosan L, Toffel E, Tanzer M, Eliez S, Badoud D, Armando M, Debbané M. Associations between schizotypal personality features, mentalizing difficulties and thought problems in a sample of community adolescents. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:705-715. [PMID: 32573985 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM Schizotypal trait expression and mentalizing impairments represent key factors associated with increased vulnerability for schizophrenia. In the current study, we analysed the nature of associations linking specific schizotypal personality features to mentalizing difficulties during adolescence. Furthermore, we examined the extent to which mentalizing difficulties mediate the relationship between schizotypal trait features and self-reported thought problems. METHODS One hundred and five community adolescents (Mage = 15.72; SD = 1.91) completed a recently developed self-report measure of mentalizing (Reflective Functioning Questionnaire [RFQ]), evaluating the degree of certainty (RFQc-scale) and uncertainty (RFQu-scale) with which individuals utilize mental state information to understand their own and others' behaviour. High scores on the RFQu-scale reflect poor usage of mental state information, while high scores on the RFQc-scale capture adaptive levels of certainty about mental states. Self-report questionnaires were also used to assess schizotypal trait expression, thought problems and symptoms of anxiety/depression. RESULTS Linear regression models indicated that schizotypal features of social anxiety and odd speech accounted for increased RFQu scores, while odd speech also accounted for reduced RFQc scores. RFQu partially mediated the effects of social anxiety and odd speech on the level of thought problems in the sample. CONCLUSIONS Present findings suggest that schizotypal features that impede interpersonal communication during adolescence are linked to difficulties in mental state understanding. Our study also provides original data suggesting that the effects of social anxiety and odd speech on psychosis-risk may partially depend upon the level of mentalizing uncertainty. Mentalizing difficulties may constitute important clinical assessment and early prevention treatment targets in adolescents who demonstrate schizotypal features.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Salaminios
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Larisa Morosan
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Office Medico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva 1 rue David-Dufour, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elodie Toffel
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michal Tanzer
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Office Medico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva 1 rue David-Dufour, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Badoud
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Office Medico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva 1 rue David-Dufour, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Armando
- Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Office Medico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva 1 rue David-Dufour, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Debbané
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.,Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Office Medico-Pédagogique, University of Geneva 1 rue David-Dufour, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Boldrini T, Pontillo M, Tanzilli A, Giovanardi G, Di Cicilia G, Salcuni S, Vicari S, Lingiardi V. An attachment perspective on the risk for psychosis: Clinical correlates and the predictive value of attachment patterns and mentalization. Schizophr Res 2020; 222:209-217. [PMID: 32513546 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a longitudinal design, the present study examined: (a) the nature of attachment patterns and reflective functioning (RF) in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR); (b) the association between RF and subclinical psychotic symtoms; and (c) the psychosis-predictive value of attachment patterns, RF, and the interaction between these factors. METHOD The sample comprised 57 UHR subjects and 53 clinical controls (non-UHR). UHR subjects were followed over a mean period of 14 months (SD = 2.7; range 11-19), during which time 11.5% developed psychosis. Attachment patterns and RF were measured. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the predictive value of variables in the transition to psychosis. RESULTS At baseline, significant differences were found between groups in secure attachment patterns and RF. RF was negatively associated with the attenuated psychotic symptoms described by the Unusual Thought Content/Delusional Ideas, Suspiciousness/Persecutory Ideas, and Disorganized Communication subscales. Moreover, poor mentalization was related to an increased likelihood of developing a psychotic disorder (OR = 0.427, 95% CI [0.188, 0.970]); conversely, no predictive effects of the attachment variables and their interaction with RF on the transition to psychosis were found. Notably, an optimal threshold value of RF = 1.25 was found to distinguish UHR subjects who made the transition to psychosis from those who did not develop this pathology. CONCLUSION The results suggest that aberrant mentalizing patterns can predict the development of psychosis. Clinical implications of these results for the development of preventive treatments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Boldrini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Maria Pontillo
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Cicilia
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Morosan L, Ghisletta P, Badoud D, Toffel E, Eliez S, Debbané M. Longitudinal Relationships Between Reflective Functioning, Empathy, and Externalizing Behaviors During Adolescence and Young Adulthood. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:59-70. [PMID: 31309356 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-019-00910-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Reflective functioning (RF) refers to the understanding of one's own and others' behaviors in terms of mental states, whereas empathy entails the abilities to understand (cognitive empathy) and to share (affective empathy) the emotions of others. Low RF and low empathy have been previously related to externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and rule breaking. However, few longitudinal studies have simultaneously examined the relationships between these variables during adolescence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the longitudinal effects of both RF and empathy on potential changes in externalizing behaviors over time, in a group of 103 adolescents and young adults from the general population assessed repeatedly up to four times. We conducted multilevel analysis in order to examine the effects of RF and empathy on the initial levels and the trajectories of externalizing behaviors over time, while accounting for other variables previously associated with externalizing behaviors, such as age, gender, internalizing problems, and cognitive abilities. The results suggest that the ability to reflect on behaviors in terms of mental states predicted a sharper decrease in externalizing behaviors over time. Moreover, externalizing behaviors at the first assessment were associated with RF impairments and low affective empathy. Age, gender, cognitive abilities, and cognitive empathy were not associated with externalizing behaviors. We discuss how our results, based on a typically developing population, might inform primary or indicated prevention strategies for externalizing behaviors by focusing on socio-cognitive processes such as RF and affective empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Morosan
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Bd du Pont-d'Arve, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Paolo Ghisletta
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Bd du Pont-d'Arve, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Swiss Distance Learning University, Brig, Switzerland.,Swiss National Center of Competences in Research LIVES-Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives-University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Badoud
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Bd du Pont-d'Arve, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elodie Toffel
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Bd du Pont-d'Arve, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Bd du Pont-d'Arve, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.,Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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15
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Theory of Mind (ToM) Performance in High Functioning Autism (HFA) and Schizotypal–Schizoid Personality Disorders (SSPD) Patients. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:3376-3386. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Fonagy P, Luyten P, Allison E, Campbell C. Mentalizing, Epistemic Trust and the Phenomenology of Psychotherapy. Psychopathology 2019; 52:94-103. [PMID: 31362289 DOI: 10.1159/000501526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper seeks to elucidate the phenomenological experience of psychotherapy in the context of the theory of mentalizing and epistemic trust. We describe two related phenomenological experiences that are the domain of psychotherapeutic work. The first is the patient's direct experience of their own personal narrative being recognized, marked and reflected back to them by the therapist. Secondly, this intersubjective recognition makes possible the regulation and alignment of the patient's imaginative capacity in relation to phenomenological experiences. In describing three aspects of the communication process that unfold in effective psychotherapeutic interventions - (1) the epistemic match, (2) improving mentalizing and (3) the re-emergence of social learning - the way in which any effective treatment is embedded in metacognitive processes about the self in relation to perceptual social reality is explained. In particular, attention is drawn to wider social determinants of psychopathology. We discuss the possible mechanism for the relationship between the socioeconomic environment and psychopathology, and the implications of this for psychotherapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom,
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth Allison
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Campbell
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Armando M, Hutsebaut J, Debbané M. A Mentalization-Informed Staging Approach to Clinical High Risk for Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:385. [PMID: 31214062 PMCID: PMC6555089 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The practice of diagnosis is fundamentally designed to orient treatment. In the case of early diagnosis for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSP) risk, the empirical base for such a practice is still young, and many clinical questions arise in the everyday clinical application of risk algorithms and ensuing therapeutic options. One of the key questions that we will focus on is the following: in cases of SSP where symptoms are successfully treated, why does residual social functioning impairment remain the most serious obstacle to remission and reinsertion in society? We will present the evidence suggesting that the roots of residual social functioning impairment may, in many cases, come from thwarted or arrested development in the specialization of social cognition during adolescence and early adulthood. We will review the evidence suggesting that both during the premorbid phase and clinical high-risk phase, attenuated psychotic symptoms may impede the maturation of key social cognitive processes, particularly the suite of reflective thinking processes coming under the term of mentalization. From this evidence base, we will adapt the staging model of SSP progression in function of our mentalization-informed model, tailored to provide a coherent framework of care addressing the key clinical needs at every stage of psychosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Armando
- Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joost Hutsebaut
- Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD), MBT Netherlands, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Debbané
- Department of Psychiatry, Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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18
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Abstract
Recent developments in the research and clinical literatures have highlighted the importance of focusing on higher-order cognitive processes in the treatment of psychotic disorders. A particular emphasis has been placed on how impairments in self-monitoring and the ability to form mental representations of others uniquely manifest in psychosis. At the same time, the recovery movement has influenced clinical innovations by emphasizing the importance of subjective domains of recovery that privilege the individual's phenomenological experience. In this column, we outline 2 emerging approaches to the treatment of psychosis, Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy and Mentalization-based Therapy for Psychosis, highlighting the ways that each approach targets higher-order cognitive processes as a focused point of intervention, while maintaining a collaborative treatment approach that values the patient's agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Knauss
- KNAUSS and RIDENOUR: The Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge, MA HAMM: Midtown Community Mental Health, Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, IN PLAKUN: The Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge, MA
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19
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Comparing Metacognition and Mentalization and Their Implications for Psychotherapy for Individuals with Psychosis. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOTHERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10879-018-9392-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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20
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Holttum S, Huet V, Wright T. Reaching a UK consensus on art therapy for people with a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder using the Delphi method. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ART THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17454832.2016.1257647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Debbané M, Salaminios G, Luyten P, Badoud D, Armando M, Solida Tozzi A, Fonagy P, Brent BK. Attachment, Neurobiology, and Mentalizing along the Psychosis Continuum. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:406. [PMID: 27597820 PMCID: PMC4992687 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we outline the evidence linking attachment adversity to psychosis, from the premorbid stages of the disorder to its clinical forms. To better understand the neurobiological mechanisms through which insecure attachment may contribute to psychosis, we identify at least five neurobiological pathways linking attachment to risk for developing psychosis. Besides its well documented influence on the hypothalamic-pituary-adrenal (HPA) axis, insecure attachment may also contribute to neurodevelopmental risk through the dopaminergic and oxytonergic systems, as well as bear influence on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress responses. We further consider the neuroscientific and behavioral studies that underpin mentalization as a suite of processes potentially moderating the risk to transition to psychotic disorders. In particular, mentalization may help the individual compensate for endophenotypical impairments in the integration of sensory and metacognitive information. We propose a model where embodied mentalization would lie at the core of a protective, resilience response mitigating the adverse and potentially pathological influence of the neurodevelopmental cascade of risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College LondonLondon, UK
- Office Médico-PédagogiqueGeneva, Switzerland
| | - George Salaminios
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College LondonLondon, UK
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Deborah Badoud
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Benjamin K. Brent
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
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