title: Comparison of experiences of stress and coping between young people at risk of psychosis and a non-clinical cohort.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the experience of stress and associated coping responses are thought to play a role in the onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, there is little empirical evidence to support such a relationship. The relatively recent development of validated and reliable criteria for identifying young people at "ultra" high-risk (UHR) of psychosis has enabled the process of illness onset to be studied more closely than was previously possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  This longitudinal study compared the experiences of stress and coping between a UHR cohort (N=143) and a healthy comparison group (HC group, N=32).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The UHR group experienced significantly fewer life events over a 12-month period than the HC group, but there was no difference in the experience of minor events or "hassles". However, the UHR group reported feeling significantly more distressed by events, felt they coped more poorly and utilized different coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The appraisals made about stressors differentiated the groups and was associated with differences in coping and distress levels. This suggests that treatment strategies focusing on stress management and enhancing coping skills might be important components of preventive interventions.
authors: University of Melbourne, Psychological Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. lisajp@unimelb.edu.au
authors: Lisa Jane
authors: LJ
authors: Phillips
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Edwards
authors: Nancy
authors: N
authors: McMurray
authors: Shona
authors: S
authors: Francey
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008016:Life Change Events; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012647:Self-Assessment; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D018967:Risperidone