Search

A parallel randomized controlled trial compared metacognitive therapy (MCT) with prolonged exposure (PE) in 32 patients with PTSD of ≥3 months duration. Participants were assigned to; eight sessions of therapy (MCT or PE) or an 8-week wait period (WL). There was only one drop-out from each treatment. Both active treatments were effective, resulting in significantly lower symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression compared with the WL. At post-treatment MCT was superior to PE on self-report symptoms of PTSD and superior to WL on objective measures of hyper-arousal (heart-rate). Recovery rates and reliable improvement in both MCT and PE were high. MCT exerted effects more rapidly and within group effect sizes in MCT were much larger than those in PE at the end of treatment. Clinical gains remained evident at follow-up by which time the treated groups did not differ. In conclusion; both treatments were effective but MCT had a clear advantage. The clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Objective Substance use is common in first-episode psychosis, and complicates the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. The differentiation of substance-induced psychotic disorders (SIPD) from primary psychotic disorders (PPD) is particularly challenging. This cross-sectional study compares the clinical, substance use and functional characteristics of substance using first episode psychosis patients diagnosed with a SIPD and PPD. Method Participants were 61 young people (15–24 years) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient service with first episode psychosis, reporting substance use in the past month. Diagnosis was determined using the Psychiatric Research Interview for DSM-IV Substance and Mental disorders (PRISM-IV). Measures of clinical (severity of psychotic symptoms, level of insight, history of trauma), substance use (frequency/quantity, severity) and social and occupational functioning were also administered. Results The PRISM-IV differentially diagnosed 56% of first episode patients with a SIPD and 44% with a PPD. Those with a SIPD had higher rates of substance use and disorders, higher levels of insight, were more likely to have a forensic and trauma history and had more severe hostility and anxious symptoms than those with a PPD. Logistic regression analysis indicated a family history of psychosis, trauma history and current cannabis dependence were the strongest predictors of a SIPD. Almost 80% of diagnostic predictions of a SIPD were accurate using this model. Conclusions This clinical profile of SIPD could help to facilitate the accurate diagnosis and treatment of SIPD versus PPD in young people with first episode psychosis admitted to an inpatient psychiatric service.