Outcomes of an adapted prolonged exposure psychotherapy for people with early phase psychosis, substance misuse, and a history of adversity: the PE + trial.

Abstract

Background: Several adversity-focused treatment trials have reported improvements to adversity sequelae (e.g., PTSD symptoms) and decreases in psychotic symptoms among individuals with psychotic disorders. Yet, no trials have examined the impact of adversity-focused treatment on substance use or examined the outcomes among an early phase psychosis population. These gaps in both the research literature and clinical practice have resulted in less knowledge about the outcomes of adversity-focused treatment at this stage of illness, including the impact on substance use.

Methods: The outcomes of an adapted prolonged exposure protocol (PE+) among an early phase psychosis population were examined using a multiple-baseline design. Nineteen adults with a psychotic disorder, current substance misuse, and a history of adversity were recruited from an early psychosis program. Participants were randomized to treatment start time and participated in a 15-session course of PE + therapy. Ten assessments were completed focusing on primary outcomes (i.e., adversity sequelae, negative psychotic symptoms, substance misuse) and secondary outcomes (i.e., functioning, hopelessness, experiential avoidance). The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used to establish whether there were clinically significant changes to primary or secondary outcomes.

Results: Half or more of treatment completers experienced clinically significant changes to most domains of adversity sequelae, no participants experienced improvements in negative psychotic symptoms, and substance misuse increased for several participants. In terms of secondary outcomes, functioning and experiential avoidance were improved for a number of participants, while hopelessness decreased for only one participant. Participants reported high satisfaction with the PE + treatment, and exposure and coping skills were rated as the most helpful elements of treatment.

Conclusions: Reductions in adversity sequelae were observed following PE + treatment, suggesting that adversity-focused treatment may be beneficial for an early psychosis population. Yet, few positive changes to psychotic symptoms or substance use were observed. Further integrating treatment strategies for psychosis and substance use into PE + may be required to effectively treat the links between psychosis, adversity sequelae, and substance use. Future studies should make efforts to integrate substance use strategies into adversity treatment trials for people with psychotic disorders.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04546178; registration posted 11/09/2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04546178?term=NCT04546178&draw=2&rank=1 .