The Regional Project for treatment of Early Psychosis implemented in the Reggio Emilia Mental Health department: preliminary data from a 1-year follow-up in ultra high risk individuals (UHR) and patients with first episode of psychosis (FEP).
Poster B11, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Lorenzo Pelizza1, Andrea Raballo1, Enrico Semrov1, Silva Azzali1, Ilaria Scazza1, Sara Garlassi1, Luigi Rocco Chiri2, Francesca Fontana1, Rosanna Favazzo1, Luana Pensieri1, Michela Fabiani1, Federica Paterlini1; 1Reggio Emilia Mental Health Department, 2Bologna Mental Health Department
Introduction. In literature, severalò studies had shown the effectiveness of combined interventions (CBT + Pharmacotherapy) in the treatment of young patients with a FEP (NICE, 2004). More controversial are the evidence about the stability of the therapeutic outcomes in UHR individuals (Raballo, 2015). Moreover, it is useful to add the problematic comparison between data from different clinical studies that use different assessment strategies and heterogeneous outcome measures. Methodology. In addition with the treatment as usual provided by the local Psychiatric Outpatient Services, treatment implemented within the Regional Project for Early Psychosis (PREP) disbursed by Reggio Emilia Mental Health Department comprises the following: (1) pharmacotherapy according to international guidelines; (2) a phase-specific individualized CBT; (3) a psychoeducational intervention addressed to family members, and (4) a case management oriented to the recovery. Action strategies are preceded by the administration of Reggio Emilia At Risk mental States (Re-Arms) Battery Checklist as a comprehensive assessment useful to define the severity and the quality of symptoms, the degree of funcioning, the subjectivity of suffering, and the perceived quality of life. Results. The assessment carried out after 12 months of continuous treatment showed significant improvements in both the psychotic symptoms (positive, negative and general psychopathology scales measured by the PANSS) that the daily functioning (SOFAS). Conclusions. Although our sample is still relatively small (N = 70) to draw definitive conclusions, it is emerging the good prognosis for UHR individuals and patients with FEP submitted on PREP treatment implemented in the Reggio Emilia Mental Health Department.
Topic Area: First Episode Psychosis