Early Detection and Cognitive Therapy for People at High Risk of Developing Psychosis

Written with clinicians in mind, this book demonstrates the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with individuals who are at risk of developing psychosis. Divided into three parts, the book opens with the background to the clinical trial including the rationale for the early intervention strategy, assessment strategies to identify "at risk" groups, and a review of prevention strategies. In Part II the focus is on the application of cognitive therapy for this group. Part III examines strategies for change, as well as specific issues including social isolation and relapse prevention.

List of Figures and Appendices vii About the Authors ix Foreword by Max Birchwood xi Introduction xiii Acknowledgements xvii Part I: Background 1 1 The Importance of Early Recognition 3 2 How to Identify At-Risk Groups 9 3 Which Prevention Strategy to Adopt 23 Part II: Cognitive Therapy for Prevention of Psychosis 27 4 Why Cognitive Therapy? 29 5 Engagement 37 6 Theory, Assessment and Formulation 45 Part III: Change Strategies 55 7 Normalisation 57 8 Generating and Evaluating Alternative Explanations 65 9 Safety Behaviours 75 10 Metacognitive Beliefs 87 11 ‘I Am Different’ and Other Core Beliefs 93 12 Social Isolation 101 13 Relapse Prevention 111 14 Conclusions 117 Appendices 121 References 135 Index 143