The aim of the present single-blind randomized-controlled therapy study (funded by the German Research Foundation) is to assess the efficacy of a new form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for delusions with a focus on emotion regulation, improvement of self-esteem and sleep quality (CBTd-E) that will be applied in 25 individual sessions. Moreover, the study aims to test whether the efficacy of CBTd-E is mediated by the postulated processes.
The study aims to test whether the efficacy of CBTd-E is mediated by the postulated processes. The main hypotheses are:
1. Baseline differences: in comparison to healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia show more pronounced problems in emotion regulation, a reduced sleep quality and a lower and less stable self-esteem.
2. Efficacy of CBTd-E: patients with acute delusions who receive CBTd-E show a more pronounced reduction of delusions (primary outcome), as well as a more pronounced reduction of positive symptoms, depression and general psychopathology, a stronger improvement in general and social functioning and will receive lower doses of antipsychotic medication (secondary outcomes) at post-treatment.
3. Mediation: the effect of CBTd-E on change in delusions is mediated by a) improved emotional stability and ability to regulate one’s own emotions, b) improved sleep quality, c) improved and more stable self-esteem.
In addition to questionnaires and interviews, behavioral paradigms, psychophysiological assessments and electronic diaries will be used to test the hypotheses. If we can demonstrate that CBTd-E reduces delusions, this would provide us with a more acceptable and feasible therapy for treating delusions.
Cooperation partners: Prof. Dr. Tania Lincoln (University of Hamburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy)
Prof. Dr. Tobias Teismann (University of Bochum, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy)
The aim of the Feel-Good study, a controlled pre-post intervention study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a new group intervention to improve emotion regulation and mindfulness in patients with psychosis over 6-8 hours. In addition, the interventions subjective and objective efficacy will be assessed.
Cooperation partner: Prof. Dr. Bechdolf, Vivantes Klinikum am Urban
Prof. Dr. Stenzel, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin
The aim of the present pcontrolled pre-post intervention pilot study CLEVER is to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a new CBT intervention (CLEVER) aiming on cognitive problems related to depressive disorders. The interventions focusses on improving coping strategies for problems with verbal memory, concentration problems and deficits in executive functioning (planning and problem solving). Also, CLEVER aims on improving emotion regulation strategies in patients with depression.
Cooperation partner: Dr. Nicole Cabanel (University of Marburg), Dr. Christian Ehrbacher (University of Siegen)
