Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis (CBQp): Spanish Validation and Relationship With Cognitive Insight in Psychotic Patients

Neuropsychological profiles in first-episodes psychosis and their relationship with clinical, metacognition and social cognition variables

An increasing interest in the assessment of neuropsychological performance variability in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) has emerged. However, its association with clinical and functional outcomes requires further study. Furthermore, FEP neuropsychological subgroups have not been characterized by clinical insight or metacognition and social cognition domains. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify specific groups of patients with FEP based on neuropsychological variables and to compare their sociodemographic, clinical, metacognition and social cognition profiles. A sample of 149 FEP was recruited from adult mental health services. Neuropsychological performance was assessed by a neuropsychological battery (WAIS-III; TMT; WSCT; Stroop Test; TAVEC). The assessment also included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical, functional, metacognition and social cognition variables. Two distinct neuropsychological profiles emerged: one neuropsychological impaired cluster (N = 56) and one relatively intact cluster (N = 93). Significant differences were found between both profiles in terms of sociodemographic characteristics (age and level of education) (p = 0.001), clinical symptoms (negative, positive, disorganized, excitement and anxiety) (p = 0.041-0.001), clinical insight (p = 0.038-0.017), global functioning (p = 0.014), as well as in social cognition domains (emotional processing and theory of mind) (p = 0.001; p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in metacognitive variables (cognitive insight and 'jumping to conclusions' bias). Relationship between neurocognitive impairment, social cognition and metacognition deficits are discussed. Early identifying of neuropsychological profiles in FEP, characterized by significant differences in clinical and social cognition variables, could provide insight into the prognosis and guide the implementation of tailored early-intervention.

Effectiveness of family metacognitive training in mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children: a multicenter study protocol

Background

More than half of women with psychosis take care of their children despite the difficulties caused by the disease. Additionally, these kids have a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder. However, no interventions have been developed to meet these needs. Metacognitive Training (MCT) is a psychological intervention that has demonstrated its efficacy in improving cognitive insight, symptom management and social cognition in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Additionally, MCT has shown better results in women than men with FEP. This study aims to adapt and evaluate the efficacy of MCT-F in mothers and adolescent children in an online group context with the main purpose of improving family relationships, cognitive awareness and symptoms in women with psychosis and increase their children's knowledge of the disease and their functioning. As secondary objectives, it also aims to evaluate improvements in metacognition, social cognition, symptoms, protective factors and self-perception of stigma.

Materials and methods

A quasi-experimental design with participants acting as their own control will be carried out. Forty-eight mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children (between 12 and 20 years old) recruited from a total of 11 adult mental health care centers will receive MCT-F. Participants will be evaluated 11 weeks before the intervention (T1), at baseline (T2), and post-intervention (T3) with a cognitive insight scale, as a primary outcome. Measures of metacognitive and social cognition, symptoms, cognitive functioning, family and social functioning, protective factors (self-esteem, resilience, and coping strategies) and self-perceived stigma will be addressed as secondary outcomes. Assessment will also address trauma and attachment in mothers and, lastly, the feasibility and acceptability of MCT-F in both participant groups.

Discussion

This will be the first investigation of the efficacy, acceptability, and viability of the implementation of MCT-F. The results of this study may have clinical implications, contributing to improving mothers' with psychosis and adolescents' functioning and better understanding of the disease, in addition to the possible protective and preventive effect in adolescents, who are known to be at higher risk of developing severe mental disorders.Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier [NCT05358457].

Self-reported cognitive biases in psychosis: Validation of the Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases Scale (DACOBS) in a Spanish sample of psychotic patients and healthy controls

Cognitive biases have been demonstrated to be important in developing and maintaining psychosis. However, self-report measures for everyday clinical practice have been developed only recently. We aimed to study one of these instruments for assessing cognitive biases: the Davos Assessment of Cognitive Biases Scale (DACOBS). In a Spanish sample of 84 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and 152 healthy controls, we examined a) the factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test the original one-, three- and seven-factor solutions, b) the reliability (Cronbach's alpha), c) the discriminative power (Multivariate Analysis of Covariance - MANCOVA) and d) the relationships of cognitive biases with positive psychotic-like experiences (PPLEs) in healthy individuals and with psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia-spectrum patients. The CFA revealed that the seven-factor solution achieved the best fit. The DACOBS overall scale (Cronbach's alpha = .92) and subscales obtained good internal consistencies. MANCOVA, controlling for age and education, demonstrated that all subscales differentiated between healthy controls and psychotic patients (Wilks' Lambda = 0.87; F_{7, 226} = 4.70; p < .000; partial eta squared = 0.13). In addition, the DACOBS showed high correlations with PPLEs (controls) and moderate correlations with positive and general symptoms (patients), demonstrating its predictive validity. Concluding, the DACOBS proved to be a psychometrically suitable instrument for assessing cognitive biases in psychosis and adequately differentiated between patients and healthy individuals within the Spanish population. Norm scores are provided.

Clinical insight in first-episode psychosis: Clinical, neurocognitive and metacognitive predictors

OBJECTIVE

Poor insight is a major problem in psychosis, being detrimental for treatment compliance and recovery. Previous studies have identified various correlates of insight impairment, mostly in chronic samples. The current study aimed to determine clinical, neurocognitive, metacognitive, and socio-cognitive predictors of insight in first-episode psychosis.

METHODS

Regression analyses of different insight dimensions were conducted in 190 patients with first-episode psychosis. Measures of clinical symptoms, neurocognition, metacognition, social cognition, and 'jumping to conclusions' bias were entered as predictors.

RESULTS

Delusions, disorganisation, and certain negative symptoms were associated with unawareness in various domains, while depression was associated with greater awareness of illness. Deficit in theory of mind and self-reflective processes, as well as a 'jumping to conclusions' bias, contributed to poor insight. Several neuropsychological scores also contributed to this but their contribution was no longer observed in regression analyses that included all the previously identified clinical and cognitive predictors. A measure of perseverative errors was still associated with unawareness and misattribution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

In models that account for 28 % to 50 % of the variance, poor insight in first-episode psychosis is mainly associated with delusions and certain negative symptoms. At the cognitive level it does not appear to result from neuropsychological impairment but rather from altered reasoning bias and dysfunction in metacognitive processes. Therapeutic strategies specifically directed at these mechanisms could help improve the evolution of insight in first episode psychosis.

Application of the unified protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of comorbid emotional disorders in patients with ultra-high risk of developing psychosis: A randomized trial study protocol

Background

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is delivered in most of the early intervention services for psychosis in different countries around the world. This approach has been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing or at least delaying the onset of psychosis. However, none of them directly affect the comorbidity of these types of patients that is often the main cause of distress and dysfunctionality. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is a psychological intervention that combines cognitive-behavioral and third-generation techniques that address emotional dysregulation as an underlying mechanism that these disorders have in common. The application of this intervention could improve the comorbid emotional symptoms of these patients.

Materials and methods

The study is a randomized controlled trial in which one group receives immediate UP plus standard intervention and the other is placed on a waiting list to receive UP 7 months later, in addition to standard care in one of our early psychosis programs. The sample will be 42 patients with UHR for psychosis with comorbid emotional symptoms. The assessment is performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 3-months’ follow-up, and includes: general psychopathology, anxiety and depression, positive and negative emotions, emotional dysregulation, personality, functionality, quality of life, cognitive distortions, insight, and satisfaction with the UP intervention.

Discussion

This will be the first study of the efficacy, acceptability, and viability of the UP in a sample of young adults with UHR. The results of this study may have clinical implications, contributing to improving the model of care for young people who consult for underlying psychotic, anxiety, and/or depressive symptoms that can lead to high distress and dysfunctionality.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT04929938].