Early interventions to prevent psychosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ. 2013 Jan 18:346:f185. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f185.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether any psychological, pharmacological, or nutritional interventions can prevent or delay transition to psychotic disorders for people at high risk.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources: Embase, Medline, PreMedline, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL were searched to November 2011 without restriction to publication status.

Review methods: Randomised trials comparing any psychological, pharmacological, nutritional, or combined intervention with usual services or another treatment. Studies of participants with a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were excluded. Studies were assessed for bias, and relevant limitations were considered in summarising the results.

Results: 11 trials including 1246 participants and eight comparisons were included. Median sample size of included trials was 81 (range 51-288). Meta-analyses were performed for transition to psychosis, symptoms of psychosis, depression, and mania; quality of life; weight; and discontinuation of treatment. Evidence of moderate quality showed an effect for cognitive behavioural therapy on reducing transition to psychosis at 12 months (risk ratio 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.34 to 0.86); risk difference -0.07 (-0.14 to -0.01). Very low quality evidence for omega-3 fatty acids and low to very low quality evidence for integrated psychotherapy also indicated that these interventions were associated with reductions in transition to psychosis at 12 months.

Conclusions: Although evidence of benefits for any specific intervention is not conclusive, these findings suggest that it might be possible to delay or prevent transition to psychosis. Further research should be undertaken to establish conclusively the potential for benefit of psychological interventions in the treatment of people at high risk of psychosis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3