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Tackling Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Feasibility Trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 June 2015

Rumina Taylor ,
Matteo Cella ,
Emese Csipke ,
Charles Heriot-Maitland ,
Caroline Gibbs  and
Til Wykes
Rumina Taylor*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
Matteo Cella
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
Emese Csipke
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
Charles Heriot-Maitland
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
Caroline Gibbs
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
Til Wykes
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
*
Reprint requests to Rumina Taylor, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology PO 77, Henry Wellcome Building, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. E-mail: rumina.taylor@kcl.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background: Social cognition difficulties in schizophrenia are seen as a barrier to recovery. Intervention tackling problems in this domain have the potential to facilitate functioning and recovery. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a manual-based psychological therapy designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a modified version of SCIT for inpatient forensic wards. The potential benefits of the intervention were also assessed. Method: This study is a randomized single blind controlled design, with participants randomized to receive SCIT (N = 21) or treatment as usual (TAU; N = 15). SCIT consisted of 8-week therapy sessions twice per week. Participants were assessed at week 0 and one week after the intervention on measures of social cognition. Feasibility was assessed through group attendance and attrition. Participant acceptability and outcome was evaluated through post-group satisfaction and achievement of social goals. Results: The intervention was well received by all participants and the majority reported their confidence improved. The SCIT group showed a significant improvement in facial affect recognition compared to TAU. Almost all participants agreed they had achieved their social goal as a result of the intervention. Conclusions: It is feasible to deliver SCIT in a forensic ward setting; however, some adaptation to the protocol may need to be considered in order to accommodate for the reduced social contact within forensic wards. Practice of social cognition skills in real life may be necessary to achieve benefits to theory of mind and attributional style.

Keywords

Social cognitionschizophreniasocial functioningforensicinpatient
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 44 , Issue 3 , May 2016 , pp. 306 - 317
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2015 

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