The Sussex Psychosis Research Interest Group (SPRiG) incorporates clinical and academic researchers within the University of Sussex, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Current research includes the contribution of genetics, neuroimaging, psychological processes, health and social contexts to psychosis and well-being outcomes; the development of new psychological therapies, including third wave CBT and computer-based therapies; understanding and addressing children’s and adolescents’ attitudes to psychosis, to promote positive non-stigmatising schema; and earlier engagement in help seeking.
We host SPRiG seminars throughout the year online through Zoom. These seminars are always on the last Wednesday of the month at 4pm-5pm.
Next seminar
Wednesday 29 April 4pm-5pm
STAR (Study of Trauma And Recovery): Effects of a Trauma Focused therapy integrated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis (TF-CBTp) for people with post-traumatic stress and psychosis symptoms
People with psychosis have high rates of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress-disorder
(PTSD), which is associated with worse clinical outcomes.
The STAR trial, the largest Randomised Controlled Trial in this area to date (N=305), evaluated the effectiveness of a Trauma-Focused therapy integrated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for psychosis (TF-CBTp), lasting nine months, on post-traumatic stress symptoms in people with psychosis.
Secondary aims were to determine:
- therapy impact on a range of clinical and functional outcomes
- whether effects are sustained 2-years post-randomisation
- whether it is cost-effective.
Disengagement with therapy was exceptionally low for this complex population (6.5%), with no safety concerns. Outcome results for post-therapy and 24m post-randomisation are embargoed and will be revealed on the day of presentation.
If effective, TF-CBTp has the potential to provide significant benefit through reductions in distressing PTSD and psychosis symptoms alongside emotional difficulties, and to address clinician concerns about iatrogenic harm when delivering trauma-focused therapy in this population.
Speaker: Professor Emmanuelle Peters, Professor of Clinical Psychology and PICuP Director.
