Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training for Youth at Risk of Developing Psychosis
Poster B85, Tuesday, October%209, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom
Kali Brummitt1, Andrea Author2, Skylar Kelsven3, Dan Devoe1, Lauren Stern3, Eric Granholm3, Barbara Cornblatt2, Kristen Cadenhead3, Jean Addington1; 1University of Calgary, 2Zucker Hillside Hospital, 3University of California at San Diego
Youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis often exhibit significant deficits in social and role functioning and poor social functioning may be a predictor for later conversion to psychosis. Even in those at CHR who do not ultimately develop psychosis, a large proportion have persisting functional deficits. Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) is a group treatment that may improve functioning and is increasingly being used in psychosis. It has been adapted for youth at CHR. The goal of this study, REGROUP, is to examine the effectiveness of CBSST compared to psychoeducation and support, for the improvement of functioning and prevention of disability. 225 individuals at CHR for psychosis will be recruited and randomized to one of two group treatments (CBSST or Psychoeducation) that run weekly for 18 weeks. The primary outcome will be changes in social and role functioning. This will be measured at baseline, end of treatment, and 6 months post treatment as assessed by global social and role functioning scales. Secondary outcomes will include change in prodromal symptoms, depression, and anxiety. This presentation will describe the study, detail the CBSST treatment and present baseline descriptions of the sample. Adapting CBSST to fit into community-based programs for youth at CHR of psychosis creates an opportunity to increase the number of youth who could have access to and benefit from CBSST.
Topic Area: Ultra High Risk / Prodromal Research