Poulton, Richie, Van Ryzin, Mark J, Harold, Gordon T, Chamberlain, Patricia, Fowler, David, Cannon, Mary, Arseneault, Louise and Leve, Leslie D (2014) Effects of multidimensional treatment foster care on psychotic symptoms in girls. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 53 (12). pp. 1279-1287. ISSN 0890-8567

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Abstract

Objective

Neurodevelopmental theories of psychosis highlight the potential benefits of early intervention, prevention, and/or preemption. How early intervention should take place has not been established, nor whether interventions based on social learning principles can have preemptive effects. The objective was to test whether a comprehensive psychosocial intervention can significantly alter psychotic symptom trajectories during adolescence—a period of heightened risk for a wide range of psychopathology.

Method

This study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) for delinquent adolescent girls. Assessment of psychotic symptoms took place at baseline and then 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-baseline using a standardized self-report instrument (Brief Symptom Inventory). A second source of information about psychotic symptoms was obtained at baseline or 12 months, and again at 24 months using a structured diagnostic interview (the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children [DISC]).

Results

Significant benefits for MTFC over treatment as usual for psychosis symptoms were observed over a 24-month period. Findings were replicated across both measures. Effects were independent of substance use and initial symptom severity and persisted beyond the initial intervention period.

Conclusion

Ameliorating nonclinical psychotic symptoms trajectories beginning in mid-adolescence via a multifaceted psychosocial intervention is possible. Developmental research on nonclinical psychotic symptoms and their prognostic value should be complemented by more psychosocial intervention research aimed at modifying these symptom trajectories early in their natural history.

Clinical trial registration information—Juvenile Justice Girls Randomized Control Trial: Young Adult Follow-up; http://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01341626.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	psychotic symptoms, RCT, MTFC, juvenile justice, girls
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
Depositing User:	Alexandra Barnard
Date Deposited:	18 Aug 2016 14:16
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2019 02:16
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/62084

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