Kristin Cadenhead1, Jean Addington2, Barbara Cornblatt3; 1University of California at San Diego, 2University of Calgary, 3Zucker Hillside Hospital, New York
The majority of youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis do not develop a psychotic syndrome but rather continue to have fluctuating subthreshold symptoms, poor social and role functioning. There are no specific treatments for these functional difficulties. However, Cognitive Behavioral and Social Skills Training (CBSST) significantly increases the frequency of social functioning activities compared to treatment as usual or supportive therapy in chronic schizophrenia. The ReGroup study is a three-site, longitudinal study aimed at testing the effectiveness and feasibility as well as mediators and mechanisms of action of a manualized CBSST intervention targeting functional difficulties associated with CHR for psychosis. The goals of the study are 1) to examine whether CBSST compared to a psychoeducation improves functioning and 2) to determine whether reduction in defeatist beliefs and improvement in social competence mediate change in psychosocial functioning. Participants are randomized to: CBSST, an 18-week group comprised of three modules; 1) Cognitive Skills; 2) Social Skills; 3) Problem Solving, or a psychoeducation group. We have demonstrated the feasibility of CBSST treatment in CHR youth and determined that it is easy to train therapists and assure reliability of the intervention through weekly supervision. Participants enjoy the intervention and are less likely to drop out of the study after starting group. CBSST can be readily disseminated to clinical community practice with proper training and supervision. This study will provide insights into approaches to halt or mitigate the pathological process and advance our understanding of risk prediction
