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Hardy A, Keen N, van den Berg D, Varese F, Longden E, Ward T, Brand RM. Trauma therapies for psychosis: A state-of-the-art review. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:74-90. [PMID: 37795877 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic events, particularly childhood interpersonal victimisation, have been found to play a causal role in the occurrence of psychosis and shape the phenomenology of psychotic experiences. Higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental health problems are also found in people with psychosis diagnoses compared to the general population. It is, therefore, imperative that therapists are willing and able to address trauma and its consequences when supporting recovery from distressing psychosis. METHOD This paper will support this need by providing a state-of-the-art overview of the safety, acceptability and effects of trauma therapies for psychosis. RESULTS We will first introduce how seminal cognitive-behavioural models of psychosis shed light on the mechanisms by which trauma may give rise to psychotic experiences, including a putative role for trauma-related emotions, beliefs and episodic memories. The initial application of prolonged exposure and eye movement and desensitation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for treating PTSD in psychosis will be described, followed by consideration of integrative approaches. These integrative approaches aim to address the impact of trauma on both post-traumatic stress symptoms and trauma-related psychosis. Integrative approaches include EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) and trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (tf-CBTp). Finally, emerging dialogic approaches for targeting trauma-related voice-hearing will be considered, demonstrating the potential value of adopting co-produced (Talking with Voices) and digitally augmented (AVATAR) therapies. CONCLUSION We will conclude by reflecting on current issues in the area, and implications for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hardy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadine Keen
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David van den Berg
- Mark van der Gaag Research Centre, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Ward
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Brand
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Strachan LP, Paulik G, Roberts L, McEvoy PM. Voice hearers' explanations of trauma-related voices and processes of change throughout imagery rescripting: A qualitative exploration. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:982-998. [PMID: 37638740 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Post-traumatic stress is common among people who hear voices (auditory verbal hallucinations), many of whom hear trauma-related voices, whereby voice content is related to past trauma. Preliminary evidence suggests that imagery rescripting (ImRs) may more effectively reduce post-traumatic stress and voices compared to treatments that are based on existing models of PTSD or positive symptoms. No known studies have explored the potential maintaining factors of trauma-related voices in relation to ImRs. We aimed to uncover insights into the factors that maintain trauma-related voices and how ImRs may influence such factors by exploring voice hearers' explanations of voices and experiences of change throughout ImRs. DESIGN Thematic analytical methodology was used due to the study's critical epistemological framework. METHODS Semi-structured interviews explored relationships between trauma and voices, and experiences of change and stability throughout ImRs in a transdiagnostic sample (N = 10) who underwent 10-18 weekly ImRs sessions. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes. RESULTS Two themes captured explanations of voices, which suggested voices may have counterproductive protective functions. Three themes captured psychological experiences during ImRs, which reflected concepts such as freedom to experience emotions, and experiences of justice, closure and grieving. Three themes described the outcomes of ImRs, reflecting concepts such as increased confidence, coping, perceived safety and voices becoming less powerful. CONCLUSIONS Trauma-related voices may have underlying protective functions and ImRs may support emotional expression, adaptive trauma re-appraisals and improve self-worth and coping self-efficacy. These change processes may have clinical implications in ImRs and other treatments for trauma-affected voice hearers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Strachan
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health & enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Perth Voices Clinic, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lynne Roberts
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health & enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter M McEvoy
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health & enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Interventions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Janssen H, van den Berg KC, Paulik G, Newman-Taylor K, Taylor CDJ, Steel C, Keijsers GPJ, Marcelis MC. Emotional and non-emotional mental imagery and auditory verbal hallucinations (hearing voices): A systematic review of imagery assessment tools. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37905563 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2920] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
It is unknown to what extent mental imagery and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are related. Trials evaluating this issue used both emotional and non-emotional mental imagery tools, thereby complicating outcomes comparisons. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically review the literature on mental imagery in individuals with AVHs to (1) inventory imagery assessment tools used in this population, (2) to collect information on the relation between emotional and non-emotional mental imagery in all sensory domains and AVHs and (3) to integrate the outcomes of this systematic review in a model of different mental imagery domains and related assessment tools. We conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed Database. After full-text screening, 17 papers were included. Findings showed that a variety of assessment methods have been used to assess various aspects of mental imagery in people with AVHs, suggesting that there is a lack of agreed theoretical conceptualization of mental imagery and AVHs. In addition, the studies confirmed as was expected that non-emotional mental imagery seemed unrelated to AVHs whereas emotional mental imagery was related to AVHs. Lastly, we proposed a model of mental imagery domains and corresponding assessment methods distinguishing between emotional and non-emotional mental imagery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hella Janssen
- Medical Psychiatric Research Group, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Karin C van den Berg
- Medical Psychiatric Research Group, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychological Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Georgie Paulik
- Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Katherine Newman-Taylor
- Psychology Department, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Psychology Department, College Keep, Southern Health NHSF Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher D J Taylor
- Secondary Care Psychological Therapies Service, Pennine Care National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Lancashire, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig Steel
- Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Oxford, UK
| | - Ger P J Keijsers
- Department of Clinical Psychological Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Machteld C Marcelis
- Medical Psychiatric Research Group, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MHeNs Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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4
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Cairns AJJ, Kelly J, Taylor CDJ. Assessing the delivering of iMAgery-focused therapy for PSychosis (iMAPS) via telehealth. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:678-696. [PMID: 37002818 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel telehealth (video-conferencing software and telephone calls) imagery-based therapeutic intervention for people experiencing persecutory delusions. Utilising a multiple baseline case series design and exploring imagery-focused therapy for psychosis (iMAPS). DESIGN A non-concurrent A-B multiple baseline design was used. METHODS Participants experiencing persecutory delusions and self-reporting a psychosis or schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis were recruited through online adverts. On completion of assessments, participants were randomly assigned to multiple baseline assessments, of between three and five sessions. Six therapy sessions followed, consisting of imagery formulation, safe-place imagery creation, compassionate imagery, imagery manipulation and rescripting. Participants completed pre- and post-measures and sessional measures via an online survey software or in semi-structured interviews. Two weeks post-intervention, a final measure was completed exploring any potential adverse effects of psychotherapy. RESULTS Five female participants completed all baseline and therapeutic sessions, suggesting the therapy was and mode of delivery was feasible and acceptable. Results indicate strong effect sizes across PANSS positive subscale and mood, as well as participants reporting a clinically significant change in at least one measure, for example, PSYRATS. All participants reported a reduction in the realness and compelling nature of distressing imagery. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest delivering a telehealth imagery-focused therapy is acceptable and feasibly delivered via telehealth. A control group and blinding of assessments would strengthen the methodological limitations present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J J Cairns
- Clinical Psychology, Lancaster University, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - James Kelly
- Clinical Psychology, Lancaster University, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
- North Manchester General Hospital, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher D J Taylor
- Community Mental Health Team, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Humphrey House, Angouleme Way, Bury, Bl9 0EQ, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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5
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Wilhelmus B, Marissen MAE, van den Berg D, Driessen A, Deen ML, Slotema K. Adding EMDR for PTSD at the onset of treatment of borderline personality disorder: A pilot study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 79:101834. [PMID: 36645926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, EMDR is not typically offered to people with PTSD who also meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study examines the feasibility and clinical benefits of EMDR for PTSD delivered in addition to the onset of treatment as usual (TAU) for BPD. METHODS In a non-concurrent, multiple baseline design, 12 patients with BPD and PTSD received fifteen weekly 45-min sessions of TAU. During this period, eight weekly 90-min EMDR sessions were added. Outcome measures were obtained weekly for self-reported PTSD symptoms (PTSD checklist for DSM-5), levels of psychopathology (Brief Symptom Checklist), and the effect of psychopathology on different areas of life (Sheehan Disability Scale). RESULTS 9 participants completed the treatment protocol. In the EMDR phase, PTSD severity scores decreased significantly between sessions, while no between-session drop in scores occurred during the TAU only phase. Similar results were obtained for general symptoms and disability. No adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS Results on the efficacy and safety of EMDR in patients with BPD and PTSD need to be replicated in larger samples and in RCTs before they can be generalized to the entire population. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that EMDR may be feasible and effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in patients concurrently receiving BPD treatment. EMDR appears to be a promising intervention for patients with BPD and comorbid PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie Wilhelmus
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Lijnbaan 4, 2512, VE, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Marlies A E Marissen
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062, PA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - David van den Berg
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Lijnbaan 4, 2512, VE, The Hague, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Annemieke Driessen
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Lijnbaan 4, 2512, VE, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Mathijs L Deen
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Lijnbaan 4, 2512, VE, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Karin Slotema
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Lijnbaan 4, 2512, VE, The Hague, the Netherlands; Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062, PA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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6
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Peters E, Hardy A, Dudley R, Varese F, Greenwood K, Steel C, Emsley R, Keen N, Bowe S, Swan S, Underwood R, Longden E, Byford S, Potts L, Heslin M, Grey N, Turkington D, Fowler D, Kuipers E, Morrison A. Multisite randomised controlled trial of trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms in people with co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis, compared to treatment as usual: study protocol for the STAR (Study of Trauma And Recovery) trial. Trials 2022; 23:429. [PMID: 35606886 PMCID: PMC9125351 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with psychosis have high rates of trauma, with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence rate of approximately 15%, which exacerbates psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Pilot studies have shown that trauma-focused (TF) psychological therapies can be safe and effective in such individuals. This trial, the largest to date, will evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a TF therapy integrated with cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (TF-CBTp) on post-traumatic stress symptoms in people with psychosis. The secondary aims are to compare groups on cost-effectiveness; ascertain whether TF-CBTp impacts on a range of other meaningful outcomes; determine whether therapy effects endure; and determine acceptability of the therapy in participants and therapists. Methods Rater-blind, parallel arm, pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing TF-CBTp + treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU only. Adults (N = 300) with distressing post-traumatic stress and psychosis symptoms from five mental health Trusts (60 per site) will be randomised to the two groups. Therapy will be manualised, lasting 9 months (m) with trained therapists. We will assess PTSD symptom severity (primary outcome); percentage who show loss of PTSD diagnosis and clinically significant change; psychosis symptoms; emotional well-being; substance use; suicidal ideation; psychological recovery; social functioning; health-related quality of life; service use, a total of four times: before randomisation; 4 m (mid-therapy); 9 m (end of therapy; primary end point); 24 m (15 m after end of therapy) post-randomisation. Four 3-monthly phone calls will be made between 9 m and 24 m assessment points, to collect service use over the previous 3 months. Therapy acceptability will be assessed through qualitative interviews with participants (N = 35) and therapists (N = 5–10). An internal pilot will ensure integrity of trial recruitment and outcome data, as well as therapy protocol safety and adherence. Data will be analysed following intention-to-treat principles using generalised linear mixed models and reported according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-Social and Psychological Interventions Statement. Discussion The proposed intervention has the potential to provide significant patient benefit in terms of reductions in distressing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, psychosis, and emotional problems; enable clinicians to implement trauma-focused therapy confidently in this population; and be cost-effective compared to TAU through reduced service use. Trial registration ISRCTN93382525 (03/08/20) Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06215-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Peters
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. .,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Robert Dudley
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle University, London, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Kathryn Greenwood
- Research and Development, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Sussex, London, UK
| | - Craig Steel
- Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nadine Keen
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Samantha Bowe
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Swan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Raphael Underwood
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Byford
- Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Potts
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Margaret Heslin
- Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Grey
- Research and Development, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Sussex, London, UK
| | - Doug Turkington
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle University, London, UK
| | - David Fowler
- Research and Development, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Sussex, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kuipers
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony Morrison
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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7
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Rey MGD, Martín LM, García FA, López FJC, López FR. Trauma infantil y psicosis: una revisión narrativa. CLÍNICA CONTEMPORÁNEA 2022. [DOI: 10.5093/cc2022a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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8
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Hardy A, Good S, Dix J, Longden E. "It hurt but it helped": A mixed methods audit of the implementation of trauma- focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:946615. [PMID: 36311513 PMCID: PMC9606605 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.946615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence supports the safety, acceptability, and efficacy of trauma therapies for people experiencing post-traumatic stress and psychosis, despite common concerns about iatrogenic harm when processing trauma memories for this population. However, to date there have been no mixed-method studies examining whether trauma-focused therapy can be implemented in routine care. This study reports an audit of a post-traumatic stress in psychosis clinic based in an inner-city trust in the U.K. National Health Service. MATERIALS AND METHODS People under the care of psychosis community mental health teams with a significant history of past trauma were referred to the clinic by their multidisciplinary clinicians. Referral outcomes were recorded, including the proportion of people for whom trauma-focused cognitive-behavior therapy for psychosis was indicated. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed pre- and post-therapy for clinically significant change on the Post-traumatic Stress Checklist (version 4) and Post-traumatic Stress Checklist (version 5). A subgroup of service users was also interviewed about their experience of therapy, with transcripts analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Seventy one service-users were referred to the clinic between 2014 and 2018, of which 51 (71.8%) attended an assessment. Of these, 20 (39.2%) were identified as having clinically significant PTSD symptoms with re-experiencing and were offered trauma-focused cognitive-behavior therapy for psychosis. Sixteen (80%) accepted and completed therapy, with no dropouts, and received a mean of 17.54 sessions (SD = 17.60, range = 12-91). There were no serious adverse events related to therapy. Clinically significant change was observed in 68.8% (n = 11) of the therapy group and post-therapy six people (37.5%) no longer met the threshold for clinically significant PTSD. Six service users completed an interview about their therapy experiences with findings organized within four main themes and associated subthemes: (1) Perseverance, (2) Establishing safety, (3) The challenges of therapy, and (4) Rebuilding one's life after trauma. CONCLUSION Trauma-focused cognitive-behavior therapy for psychosis can be safe, acceptable, and effective when implemented in routine care. Lived experience perspectives highlight the emotional demands of therapy and long-term impact of trauma, thus underscoring the necessity of sufficient support and continuity of care both during and after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hardy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Good
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayde Dix
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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