Preventing Psychosis: A Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

CBT holds promise for preventing or delaying transition to psychosis in those at high risk, whereas current medications seem to be ineffective.

Because 20% to 40% of high-risk individuals transition to psychosis within a year, strategies to prevent this costly and disabling illness continue to be explored. These researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 randomized, controlled trials that used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), antipsychotics, “integrated psychotherapy,” or nutritional therapies (or combinations of these therapies) to delay or prevent this transition.

The 1246 subjects at ultrahigh risk had attenuated or transient psychotic symptoms or premorbid traits. CBT had a moderate effect in reducing transition to psychosis (risk ratio, 0.54), whereas medications showed no effect. Evidence of very low quality suggested a possible preventive effect for omega-3 fatty acids (1…

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

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Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate