Psychological Intervention for Relapse Prevention in First Episode Schizophrenia

Psychological Intervention for Relapse Prevention in First Episode Schizophrenia

The study is a randomized clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a comprehensive psychological intervention for the treatment of first episode schizophrenia

Patients suffering from their first episode of schizophrenic disorders are randomly allocated to either a short "information centered psychoeducation" (ICP) of 8 sessions or a "cognitive behavioral treatment" (CBT). CBT includes 8 sessions of psychoeducation, 8 sessions of computer based cognitive training, 8 sessions with relatives and 20 sessions of focusing on stress management, relapse prevention and coping with persistent symptoms.

The primary endpoint is relapse at the one and two year follow up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of schizophrenic disorder according to ICD 10: F20
• first episode
• age between 18 and 55
• willingness to give informed consent also to a double blind pharmacological treatment study

Exclusion Criteria:

• residence outside of the catchment area
• insufficient knowledge of the German language
• substance abuse or addiction as primary clinical problem
• serious physical illness
• organic brain disease
• pregnancy
• contraindications to neuroleptic treatment