New Pathways of Intervention for Adolescents at Clinical High Risk of Psychosis: Improving Meta-representation Skills and Strengthening Identity with Video-Confrontation Techniques

Title:New Pathways of Intervention for Adolescents at Clinical High Risk of Psychosis: Improving Meta-representation Skills and Strengthening Identity with Video-Confrontation Techniques

Volume: 8 Issue: 2

Author(s): Ruggero Brazzale*, Yuri Maddalena, Antonio Cozzi and Lucia Brazzale

Affiliation:

• Adolescent Centre, Local Mental Health Department, ULSS 7 Bassano del Grappa, Veneto Region,Italy

Keywords: Adolescence, clinical high risk, early psychosis, identity, self-image, metacognition, videotherapy.

Abstract: Background: Although adolescents at risk of developing psychosis may have access to many standard treatments, it is also important to investigate the efficacy and sustainability of new specific interventions working on self-image, identity and social skills.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study is to assess the possible efficacy and the sustainability of the a novel intervention, VideoTherapy (VDT), combined with a treatment of proven efficacy, metacognitive treatment (MT).

Methods: In this pilot study we created a Video Therapy (VDT) treatment protocol to work on Identity and Self-image. Through the use of an iPad, individuals were asked to interact with their Image reflected in the screen. VDT was carried out in this work in combination with metacognitive group treatment to improve social competence, recognize and manage the automatic biases active in the interaction with the external world, and to reduce social withdrawal. The study involved 18 youths at risk, between 12 and 21 years of age. A preand post- treatment evaluation was conducted through the administration of tests and questionnaires.

Results: The intervention was found to be sustainable and could be implemented in association with standard treatments. Active participation from patients was observed. They engaged well with the activity, giving positive feedback. Improvement in social skills as well as in anxiety, depression and aggressive behavior occurred.

Conclusion: Results from this study are encouraging for the development and improvement of the VDT protocol. The main strengths of the intervention are that they are relatively inexpensive and easy for clinicians to apply. The use of new tools that are familiar to the adolescents, such as the iPad, made the novel treatment attractive and interesting for participants. The next recommended step would be to apply the study on a wider and more representative sample.

Cite this article as:

Brazzale Ruggero*, Maddalena Yuri, Cozzi Antonio and Brazzale Lucia, New Pathways of Intervention for Adolescents at Clinical High Risk of Psychosis: Improving Meta-representation Skills and Strengthening Identity with Video-Confrontation Techniques, Adolescent Psychiatry 2018; 8 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/2210676608666180605092604