Introduction to Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy: A novel approach to treating poor insight in early phase psychosis

Poster C26, Wednesday, October%2010, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom

Jenifer L Vohs1,2, Paul H Lysaker1,3; 1Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN, 2Eskenazi Health, Midtown Community Mental Health Centers, Prevention and Recovery Center for Early Psychosis, Indianapolis, IN, 3Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN

Poor insight, or illness awareness, is prevalent throughout the course of psychosis. However, early phase psychosis (EPP) represents a vital window of opportunity for interventions to target and improve insight. Improving insight during EPP could have a significant impact on an individual’s treatment engagement, course and severity of illness, and functioning. A number of modalities are already being implemented to address poor insight in EPP, however most have limited effectiveness. A novel intervention to improve insight in EPP, Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), is therefore being investigated. MERIT is an integrative metacognitive therapy consisting of eight elements to assist clients in improving their ability to form complex ideas about themselves and others and to use this knowledge to respond to psychological problems. This presentation will detail the principles and elements of this intervention and review recent evidence to support its implementation in EPP.

Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions

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