Randomized controlled trial of a cannabis-focused intervention for young people with first-episode psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a cannabis-focused intervention (cannabis and psychosis therapy: CAP) for patients continuing to use cannabis following initial treatment for first-episode psychosis (FEP).


METHODS
Consecutive admissions to an early psychosis program were screened and consenting individuals using cannabis in the 4 weeks prior to assessment participated. A single-blind randomized controlled trial compared CAP (n = 23) with a clinical control condition (psychoeducation, PE; n = 24). There were no significant differences between the CAP and PE groups on cannabis use at end of treatment and 6 months post-intervention.


RESULTS
There were no significant group differences on psychopathology and functional ratings at follow-up. A significant reduction in cannabis use was observed for both groups over time.


CONCLUSIONS
PE and specific cannabis-focused intervention are associated with similar reductions in cannabis use in an FEP cohort. Simple interventions may therefore be worth considering prior to intensive psychotherapeutic efforts with this population.
Edwards
J
J
Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre/ORYGEN Youth Health, Parkville, Vic., Australia. j.edwards@unimelb.edu.au
Elkins
K
K
Hinton
M
M
Harrigan
S M
SM
Donovan
K
K
Athanasopoulos
O
O
McGorry
P D
PD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016037:Single-Blind Method