Tackling social cognition in schizophrenia: a randomized feasibility trial

Taylor, R., Cella, M., Csipke, E., Heriot-Maitland, C. , Gibbs, C. and Wykes, T. (2016) Tackling social cognition in schizophrenia: a randomized feasibility trial. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 44(3), pp. 306-317. (doi: 10.1017/S1352465815000284) (PMID:26054422)

Abstract

Background: Social cognition difficulties in schizophrenia are seen as a barrier to recovery. Intervention tackling problems in this domain have the potential to facilitate functioning and recovery. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a manual-based psychological therapy designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a modified version of SCIT for inpatient forensic wards. The potential benefits of the intervention were also assessed. Method: This study is a randomized single blind controlled design, with participants randomized to receive SCIT (N = 21) or treatment as usual (TAU; N = 15). SCIT consisted of 8-week therapy sessions twice per week. Participants were assessed at week 0 and one week after the intervention on measures of social cognition. Feasibility was assessed through group attendance and attrition. Participant acceptability and outcome was evaluated through post-group satisfaction and achievement of social goals. Results: The intervention was well received by all participants and the majority reported their confidence improved. The SCIT group showed a significant improvement in facial affect recognition compared to TAU. Almost all participants agreed they had achieved their social goal as a result of the intervention. Conclusions: It is feasible to deliver SCIT in a forensic ward setting; however, some adaptation to the protocol may need to be considered in order to accommodate for the reduced social contact within forensic wards. Practice of social cognition skills in real life may be necessary to achieve benefits to theory of mind and attributional style.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Financial support: This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research scheme (RPPG-0606–1050). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. TW would like to acknowledge the support of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London and her NIHR Senior Investigator Award. The PERCEIVE Team would also like to thank the NIHR MHRN who provided support for this project.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Heriot-Maitland, Dr Charles
• Authors: Taylor, R., Cella, M., Csipke, E., Heriot-Maitland, C., Gibbs, C., and Wykes, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1352-4658
• ISSN (Online): 1469-1833
• Published Online: 09 June 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
• First Published: First published in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy 44(3):306-317
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher