A controlled trial of cognitively oriented psychotherapy for early psychosis (COPE) with four-year follow-up readmission data.
OBJECTIVE
Cognitively oriented psychotherapy for early psychosis (COPE) is aimed at facilitating the adjustment of the person, and preventing or alleviating secondary morbidity in the wake of the first psychotic episode. The present study reports on the outcomes of a controlled trial comparing two conditions: COPE versus No-COPE.


METHODS
Ninety-one people participated in the trial which was analysed by intention-to-treat, including 12 people who were assigned to COPE but refused to participate. Assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, mid-treatment and post-treatment. Hospital readmission data were obtained through a Psychiatric Case Register. The study was conducted in a front-line public mental health service, the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC). Clients in both COPE and No-COPE were provided with full access to the complete range of EPPIC services.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two conditions on the nine primary outcome variables. Hospital readmissions were assessed for each client at yearly intervals up to 4 years following the completion of treatment and again there were no significant between-group differences.


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicated that there was no significant advantage to COPE over and above routine care at EPPIC.
Jackson
Henry
H
ORYGEN/Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) and Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. henryjj@unimelb.edu.au
McGorry
Patrick
P
Edwards
Jane
J
Hulbert
Carol
C
Henry
Lisa
L
Harrigan
Susy
S
Dudgeon
Paul
P
Francey
Shona
S
Maude
Dana
D
Cocks
John
J
Killackey
Eoin
E
Power
Paddy
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome