The Regional Project for the Treatment of Early Psychosis Implemented in the Reggio Emilia Mental Health Department: Preliminary Data From a 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Introduction

Several studies had shown the effectiveness of combined interventions in the treatment of young patients with a first episode of psychosis (FEP). More controversial are the evidence about the stability of the therapeutic outcomes in individuals ultra-high risk (UHR).

Aims

To describe the regional project for the treatment of early psychosis implemented in the Reggio Emilia Mental Health Department (ReMHD) and also to report preliminary data from a 2-year follow-up.

Methods

In addition with the treatment as usual (TAU), treatment implemented within the regional project for early psychosis (PREP) in the ReMHD comprises the following:

– pharmacotherapy according to international guidelines;

– a phase-specific individualized Cognitive-Behavioural therapy;

– a psycho-educational intervention addressed to family members;

– a case management recovery-oriented.

Action strategies are preceded by the administration of Reggio Emilia at Risk mental States Battery Checklist as a comprehensive assessment useful to define the severity and the quality of symptoms, the degree of functioning, the subjectivity of suffering, and the perceived quality of life.

Results

The assessment carried out after 24 months of continuous treatment showed significant improvements in both the psychotic symptoms (positive, negative and general psychopathology PANSS subscales) that the daily functioning (SOFAS).

Conclusions

Although our sample is still relatively small (n = 50) to draw definitive conclusions, it is emerging the good prognosis for UHR individuals and patients with FEP submitted on PREP treatment implemented in the ReMHD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.