Citation

O'Donoghue B, Francey SM, Nelson B, Ratheesh A, Allott K, Graham J, Baldwin L, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Thompson A, Fornito A, Polari A, Berk M, Macneil C, Crisp K, Pantelis C, Yuen HP, Harrigan S, McGorry P. Early Interv. Psychiatry 2019; 13(4): 953-960.

Affiliation

Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/eip.12716

PMID

30024100

Abstract

AIM: It is now necessary to investigate whether recovery in psychosis is possible without the use of antipsychotic medication. This study will determine (1) whether a first-episode psychosis (FEP) group receiving intensive psychosocial interventions alone can achieve symptomatic remission and functional recovery; (2) whether prolonging the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a sub-group according to randomisation will be associated with a poorer outcome and thereby establish whether the relationship between DUP and outcome is causative; and (3) whether neurobiological changes observed in FEP are associated with the psychotic disorder or antipsychotic medication. Baseline characteristics of participants will be presented.

METHODS: This study is a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial. The primary outcome is the level of functioning measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale at 6 months. This study is being conducted at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, Melbourne and includes young people aged 15 to 24 years with a DSM-IV psychotic disorder, a DUP less than 6 months and not high risk for suicide or harm to others. Strict discontinuation criteria are being applied. Participants are also undergoing three 3-Tesla-MRI scans.

RESULTS: Ninety participants have been recruited and baseline characteristics are presented.

CONCLUSIONS: Staged treatment and acceptability guidelines in early psychosis will determine whether antipsychotic medications are indicated in all young people with a FEP and whether antipsychotic medication can be safely delayed. Furthermore, the relative contribution of psychotic illness and antipsychotic medication in terms of structural brain changes will also be elucidated. The findings will inform clinical practice guidelines.

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

antipsychotic medication; cognitive-behavioural therapy; psychosis; psychosocial interventions; randomized controlled trials