Early Detection and Intervention for Women At-risk of Psychosis

Early Detection and Intervention for Women At-risk of Psychosis in Hong Kong: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the cognitive behavioral therapy in preventing the conversion of psychosis in a sample of individuals at-risk for psychosis.

Eligible subjects with informed consent provided will be randomly assigned to the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group or psychoeducation group. Each group consists of 8 session spanning for 8 week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women of age 18-64
• at-risk mental state as defined by the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS)
• with an informed consent
• able to understand Cantonese and read/write Chinese

Exclusion Criteria:

• those mental conditions that requires other treatment priorities (e.g., suicidal risk, substance abuse, current or past episodes of psychotic disorder, personality disorders)
• those medical conditions that severely limits participation, comprehension, or adherence to the treatment (e.g., epilepsy, dementia, terminal medical illness);
• those who are receiving structured psychotherapy or counselling