Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Psychosis

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Psychosis: An Empirical Pilot Study of Efficacy, Therapeutic Action, and Machine Learning Analysis of Within-Session Speech and Behavior

The broad goals of our pilot study are to (1) determine whether psychodynamic psychotherapy for psychosis (PPfP), relative to treatment as usual (TaU), can maintain or augment clinical and functional benefits for patients who have achieved initial recovery in our coordinated specialty care (CSC) early psychosis treatment program; (2) to conduct novel empirical study of how various psychodynamic factors may inform candidate selection, mediate therapeutic effects, and influence relational aspects of the therapy; and (3) to conduct a detailed study of how features of therapist and patient speech and behavior influence therapeutic outcomes, therapeutic alliance alliance, and relational process. This registration focuses on the first goal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• completed the 2-3 year Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) program
• judged by present provider to be in an intermediate or advanced phase of recovery
• had first episode of psychosis within the 3 years prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• established diagnosis of primary affective disorder, psychosis secondary to substance use or a medical illness
• inability to communicate in English
• eligibility for Department of Developmental Services
• legally mandated to enter treatment.