Evidence-Based Early Interventions for Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Flashcards
What challenges do individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis face?
They experience attenuated psychotic symptoms, comorbid concerns, functional impairments, and family and interpersonal stress.
What is the goal of early interventions for individuals at CHR?
To improve functioning, reduce symptomatology, and lower the risk of transition to full-threshold psychosis.
What are some of the key benefits of early intervention for CHR individuals?
Symptom improvement, delay of psychosis onset, and reduced rates of transition to full-threshold psychosis.
How is CHR typically identified?
By the presence of subthreshold or attenuated positive symptoms such as paranoid thoughts and odd perceptual experiences.
What distinguishes attenuated symptoms from full psychosis?
Attenuated symptoms are less frequent, less intense, less impairing, and briefer, with some degree of clinically meaningful distress or impairment.
What is the economic impact of early intervention?
It may reduce the economic and psychological impact of illness, especially during first episodes when treatment costs peak.
What are some additional concerns associated with CHR?
Exposure to trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, lower quality of life, and impaired social and global functioning.
What is the most commonly evaluated psychosocial treatment for CHR?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What are some other promising psychosocial interventions for CHR?
Family engagement, psychoeducation, and supportive techniques.
What is the purpose of family-focused therapy (FFT)?
To provide psychoeducation and training in communication and problem-solving skills.
How does a modular approach benefit CHR treatment?
It allows flexibility to match treatment strategies with individual clinical needs while maintaining evidence-based effectiveness.
What are common treatment elements in CHR interventions?
Engagement, assessment, safety planning, psychoeducation, social skills improvement, and integration with other services.
What role does safety planning play in CHR treatment?
It involves assessing and monitoring safety concerns and developing plans to prevent suicide or self-harm.
Why is social skills training important for CHR individuals?
Social impairments may be a risk factor for future psychosis, and training can improve interpersonal and occupational functioning.
What are some lifestyle factors considered in CHR interventions?
Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and avoidance of high-risk behaviors like drug use.
