1
|
Onyeama F, Melegkovits E, Yu N, Parvez A, Rodrigues A, Billings J, Kelleher I, Cannon M, Bloomfield MAP. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the traumatogenic phenotype hypothesis of psychosis. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e146. [PMID: 39118412 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental trauma increases psychosis risk and is associated with poor prognosis. It has been proposed that psychosis in survivors of developmental trauma gives rise to a distinct 'traumatogenic' phenotype. AIMS Given the implications for personalised treatment, we sought to explore the traumatogenic psychosis phenotype hypothesis in a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing psychotic presentations between adults with and without developmental trauma histories. METHOD We registered the systematic review on PROSPERO (CRD42019131245) and systematically searched EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO. The outcomes of interests were quantitative and qualitative comparisons in psychotic symptom expression (positive, negative, cognitive) and other domains of psychopathology, including affect regulation, sleep, depression and anxiety, between adults with and without experience of developmental trauma. RESULTS Of 34 studies included (N = 13 150), 11 were meta-analysed (n = 2842). A significant relationship was found between developmental trauma and increased symptom severity for positive (Hedge's g = 0.27; 95% CI 0.10-0.44; P = 0.002), but not negative symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.13; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.30; P = 0.14). Developmental trauma was associated with greater neurocognitive, specifically executive, deficits, as well as poorer affect, dissociation and social cognition. Furthermore, psychotic symptom content thematically related to traumatic memories in survivors of developmental trauma. CONCLUSIONS Our findings that developmental trauma is associated with more severe positive and affective symptoms, and qualitative differences in symptom expression, support the notion that there may be a traumatogenic psychosis phenotype. However, underdiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder may also explain some of these findings. More research is needed to explore this further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franca Onyeama
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Eirini Melegkovits
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Nicole Yu
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Ameerah Parvez
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and UCL Medical School, University College London, UK
| | - Artur Rodrigues
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; and Department of Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| | - Ian Kelleher
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; and Lucena Clinic, St John of God Community Mental Health Services, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael A P Bloomfield
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK; Traumatic Stress Clinic, St Pancras Hospital, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK; and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zamperoni G, Tan EJ, Sumner PJ, Rossell SL. Exploring the conceptualisation, measurement, clinical utility and treatment of formal thought disorder in psychosis: A Delphi study. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:486-493. [PMID: 39002286 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.042] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Formal Thought Disorder (FTD) is a recognised psychiatric symptom, yet its characterisation remains debated. This is problematic because it contributes to poor efficiency and heterogeneity in psychiatric research, with salient clinical impact. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate expert opinion on the concept, measurement and clinical utility of FTD using the Delphi technique. METHOD Across three rounds, experts were queried on their definitions of FTD, methods for the assessment and measurement of FTD, associated clinical outcomes and treatment options. RESULTS Responses were obtained from 56 experts, demonstrating varying levels of consensus across different aspects of FTD. While consensus (>80 %) was reached for some aspects on the concept of FTD, including its definition and associated symptomology and mechanisms, others remained less clear. Overall, the universal importance attributed to the clinical understanding, measurement and treatment of FTD was clear, although consensus was infrequent as to the reasons behind and methods for doing so. CONCLUSIONS Our results contribute to the still elusive formal definition of FTD. The multitude of interpretations regarding these topics highlights the need for further clarity with this phenomenon. Our findings emphasised that the measurement and clinical utility of FTD are closely tied to the concept; hence, until there is agreement on the concept of FTD, difficulties with measuring and understanding its clinical usefulness to inform treatment interventions will persist. Future FTD research should focus on clarifying the factor structure and dimensionality to determine the latent structure and elucidate the core clinical phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Zamperoni
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia.
| | - Eric J Tan
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia; Memory Ageing & Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Philip J Sumner
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dudley R, Dodgson G, Common S, Ogundimu E, Liley J, O'Grady L, Watson F, Gibbs C, Arnott B, Fernyhough C, Alderson-Day B, Aynsworth C. Effects of a novel, brief psychological therapy (Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences) for hallucinations in first episode psychosis (MUSE FEP): Findings from an exploratory randomised controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:289-296. [PMID: 38678686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.031] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hallucinations are a common feature of psychosis, yet access to effective psychological treatment is limited. The Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences for First-Episode-Psychosis (MUSE-FEP) trial aimed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, hallucination-specific, digitally provided treatment, delivered by a non-specialist workforce for people with psychosis. MUSE uses psychoeducation about the causal mechanisms of hallucinations and tailored interventions to help a person understand and manage their experiences. We undertook a two-site, single-blind (rater) Randomised Controlled Trial and recruited 82 participants who were allocated 1:1 to MUSE and treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 40) or TAU alone (n = 42). Participants completed assessments before and after treatment (2 months), and at follow up (3-4 months). Information on recruitment rates, adherence, and completion of outcome assessments was collected. Analyses focussed on feasibility outcomes and initial estimates of intervention effects to inform a future trial. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry 16793301. Criteria for the feasibility of trial methodology and intervention delivery were met. The trial exceeded the recruitment target, had high retention rates (87.8%) at end of treatment, and at follow up (86.6%), with good acceptability of treatment. There were 3 serious adverse events in the therapy group, and 5 in the TAU group. Improvements were evident in both groups at the end of treatment and follow up, with a particular benefit in perceived recovery in the MUSE group. We showed it was feasible to increase access to psychological intervention but a definitive trial requires further changes to the trial design or treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dudley
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Guy Dodgson
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Common
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust, Wessex House, Falcon Court, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3TX, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Ogundimu
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - James Liley
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy O'Grady
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Watson
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust, Wessex House, Falcon Court, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3TX, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Gibbs
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Bronia Arnott
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Baddiley-Clark, NE2 4AX, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ben Alderson-Day
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Aynsworth
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smith L, Rossell SL, Thomas N, Toh WL. Intersections of phenomenology, voice beliefs and distress in bipolar disorder: a comparison with schizophrenia. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:78-92. [PMID: 37749628 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), or voice-hearing, can be a prominent symptom during fluctuating mood states in bipolar disorder (BD). AIMS The current study aimed to: (i) compare AVH-related distress in BD relative to schizophrenia (SCZ), (ii) examine correlations between phenomenology and voice beliefs across each group, and (iii) explore how voice beliefs may uniquely contribute to distress in BD and SCZ. METHOD Participants were recruited from two international sites in Australia (BD=31; SCZ=50) and the UK (BD=17). Basic demographic-clinical information was collected, and mood symptoms were assessed. To document AVH characteristics, a 4-factor model of the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale and the Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised were used. Statistical analyses consisted of group-wise comparisons, Pearson's correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions. RESULTS It was found that AVH-related distress was not significantly higher in BD than SCZ, but those with BD made significantly more internal attributions for their voices. In the BD group, AVH-related distress was significantly positively correlated with malevolence, omnipotence and resistance, However, only resistance, alongside mania and depressive symptoms, significantly contributed to AVH-related distress in BD. DISCUSSION Our findings have several clinical implications, including identification of voice resistance as a potential therapeutic target to prioritise in BD. Factoring in the influence of mood symptoms on AVH-related distress as well as adopting more acceptance-oriented therapies may also be of benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Smith
- National and Specialist CAMHS, At-Risk and Forensic Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Longden E, Branitsky A, Jones W, Peters S. When therapists talk to voices: Perspectives from service-users who experience auditory hallucinations. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:967-981. [PMID: 37551953 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate service-users' experiences of a therapist engaging with their voices (auditory hallucinations) using psychological formulation and direct dialogue. METHOD A nested qualitative study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for supporting voice hearers with a diagnosis of psychosis (Talking With Voices: TwV). Of 24 participants allocated to therapy, 13 (54%) consented to a semi-structured, in-depth interview which was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants described their experiences of using the intervention to improve the relationship between themselves and their voice(s). The findings are organised within three themes and associated subthemes: (1) A desire for suitable help (Motivation to reduce voice-related distress, Limitation of other treatment options); (2) Engaging with voices (Challenges, Support and safety, Exploration and revelation); and (3) Contemplating the future (The aftermath of adversity, Living well with voices, Resources for moving forward). CONCLUSION Despite the emotional challenges of the work, many participants experienced tangible gains in the ways they related to their voices post-intervention. For those who responded well, the development of safety strategies, including a strong therapeutic alliance, could facilitate a basis for developing new insights about the origin/nature of the voices which could then be applied in constructive ways. Further research is needed to understand which client characteristics indicate suitability for TwV as opposed to relational therapies that require less direct engagement with voices and/or the psychosocial conflicts with which they may be associated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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
| | - Wendy Jones
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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
| | - Sarah Peters
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luhrmann TM, Dulin J, Dzokoto V. The Shaman and Schizophrenia, Revisited. Cult Med Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s11013-023-09840-6. [PMID: 38036935 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-023-09840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents evidence that some-but not all-religious experts in a particular faith may have a schizophrenia-like psychotic process which is managed or mitigated by their religious practice, in that they are able to function effectively and are not identified by their community as ill. We conducted careful phenomenological interviews, in conjunction with a novel probe, with okomfo, priests of the traditional religion in Ghana who speak with their gods. They shared common understandings of how priests hear gods speak. Despite this, participants described quite varied personal experiences of the god's voice. Some reported voices which were auditory and more negative; some seemed to describe trance-like states, sometimes associated with trauma and violence; some seemed to be described sleep-related events; and some seemed to be interpreting ordinary inner speech. These differences in description were supported by the way participants responded to an auditory clip made to simulate the voice-hearing experiences of psychosis and which had been translated into the local language. We suggest that for some individuals, the apprenticeship trained practice of talking with the gods, in conjunction with a non-stigmatizing identity, may shape the content and emotional tone of voices associated with a psychotic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John Dulin
- Department of Anthropology, Utah Valley State University, Orem, USA
| | - Vivian Dzokoto
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Burr C, Schnackenberg J, Richter D, Weidner F. [Pilot study of Experience Focused Counselling by nurses with people who hear voices: Evaluation of the implementation of the study protocol]. Pflege 2023; 36:341-348. [PMID: 37840265 DOI: 10.1024/1012-5302/a000962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Pilot study of Experience Focused Counselling by nurses with people who hear voices: Evaluation of the implementation of the study protocol Abstract: Background: Hearing voices and the treatment and support of people who hear voices and are distressed by the experience are defined differently in psychiatry. In contrast to the medical approach to define and treat voices as symptoms of a disease, the EFC counselling approach developed with voice-hearers focuses on non-pathologizing acceptance and a constructive relationship to voices. Mental health nurses with their focus on everyday life are predestined for the dissemination and application of alternative therapeutic approaches in practice. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the study protocol as part of a pilot study regarding its suitability for a larger trial. Method: The multi centre pilot study had a single-blind randomised controlled design. The intervention consisted of EFC counselling by nurses with people who hear voices. The control group received Treatment As Usual (TAU). The suitability of the study design was evaluated in terms of recruitment, burden on study participants, suitability of assessment tools, the application of EFC counselling and the use of study nurses. Results: As planned 21 participants could be included in the study within fifteen months across the two study sites. Overall, the participants rated the study as not very burdensome and the intervention as helpful. The application of EFC by the nurses as well as the use of study nurses was assessed as good and suitable respectively. Discussion: The evaluation of the study protocol shows that with minor adjustments it is suitable for conducting a larger study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Burr
- Departement Gesundheit, Berner Fachhochschule, Schweiz
- Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste UPD, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Bern, Schweiz
- Vinzenz-Pallotti University, Vallendar, Deutschland
| | | | - Dirk Richter
- Departement Gesundheit, Berner Fachhochschule, Schweiz
- Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste UPD, Zentrum Psychiatrische Rehabilitation, Bern, Schweiz
| | - Frank Weidner
- Vinzenz-Pallotti University, Vallendar, Deutschland
- Universität Koblenz, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|