Psychological Interventions
There has been much international research describing effective psychological interventions for people experiencing psychosis. This includes treatments that focus on relapse prevention, positive psychotic symptoms, negative psychotic symptoms, and associated difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Psychological interventions should be an integral part of treatment offered to young people and their families at all phases of the recovery process. These interventions can be used in individual therapy or group settings, and can be targeted to address a wide range of issues.
Two interventions designed specifically for young people in the early phase of early psychosis are:
Cognitively-Oriented Psychotherapy for first Episode psychosis (COPE). This is a formulation-driven psychological intervention which focuses on helping young people and their families to understand psychosis and cope with its impact. COPE involves:
- Working collaboratively with the young person to identify their explanatory model of what is happening
- Developing engagement and working to identify and address barriers to developing a strong therapeutic relationship
- Assisting the young person in adjusting to psychosis, and minimising any associated trauma
- Working with the young person to prevent secondary morbidity such as depression, social withdrawal, or dropping out of school or work
This model is described in detail in: Henry, L. (2004). Psychological Intervention in Recovery from Early Psychosis. In Gleeson, J.F.M. & McGorry, P.D. (Eds.) Psychological Interventions in Early Psychosis: A Treatment Handbook. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Systematic Treatment of Persistent Psychosis (STOPP) is a cognitive-behaviourally oriented intervention designed for work with young people with first-episode psychosis who continue to experience symptoms beyond three months after initial treatment.
It comprises four phases. These are:
- Developing a collaborative working relationship: this involves developing a formulation, while acknowledging that many young people may be ambivalent about seeking help.
- Exploring and coping with psychosis: this involves developing ways of coping with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
- Strengthening the capacity to relate to others: this involves recognising the impact that psychosis may have on a young person’s self-esteem and helping them to maintain social contacts.
- Finishing and moving on: this focuses on helping the young person rebuild links and plan for the future.
The STOPP (Systematic Treatment of Positive Symptoms) Manual can be purchased through OYH Resources.
If you are interested in training, or would like to have a training program designed for your workplace, go to the EPPIC Statewide Services page.