CAT for Psychosis: A Case Series
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) for Psychosis: A Case Series
IRAS ID
160780
Contact name
Peter Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 23 days
Research summary
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a talking therapy that is commonly used within the NHS for treating a variety of conditions including depression or anxiety and more complex difficulties like personality disorders. Clinicians have also used CAT with patients with experiences of psychosis, such as those diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, there is currently little research concerning the safety, acceptability or efficacy of CAT for this population. CAT is similar to other therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but has a particular focus on interpersonal relationships, including the relationship that patients have with their therapist. The current study is a case series that will monitor 13 individuals receiving CAT for psychosis in order to determine the safety and acceptability of this intervention. The study will focus on individuals with early or first-episode psychosis, where difficulties are potentially less entrenched and where talking therapy may be particularly beneficial.
This case series will adopt a mixed-methods design, employing both quantitative and qualitative assessment. The design involves pre-therapy, post-therapy (16 weeks) and follow-up (3 months post-therapy) assessment points, in addition to qualitative post-therapy interviews with the participants. Brief measures will also be completed during some therapy sessions.
The primary outcomes will be acceptability and safety. Acceptability will be determined by a) how many patients decide to remain in and complete therapy, and b) their views and experiences of the therapy as ascertained via the qualitative interviews. Safety will be determined by monitoring any adverse events occurring during the course of therapy and also via a self-report questionnaire designed to measure possible adverse side-effects of therapy.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0130
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion