Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Across the Psychosis Continuum

Considering several etiologic, therapeutic, and comorbidity-related factors, a psychosis continuum model has been proposed for the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders. Within the new emerging treatment approaches, Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CCBT) seem to hold promise for the psychosis continuum. However, considering their novelty for this specific population, the quality of efficacy evidence remains unclear. Objective: To examine, critically analyze, and summarize the results from studies based on therapeutic models within the CCBT approach (Mindfulness and Acceptance-based interventions, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy) for patients with a diagnosis within the psychosis continuum (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder). Methods: Three leading electronic databases (MEDLINE/PUBMED; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library), a grey literature database (OpenGrey), and registered clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.Gov) were searched using combinations of key terms regarding the CCBT models and the diagnosis considered. Reference lists of the relevant studies and reviews were searched. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. The “Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool” was used for quality assessment. Results: A total of 17 articles were included. This review was based on a majority of unclear or low risk of bias studies. Benefits regarding clinical variables such as psychotic symptoms, anxiety and depression, functioning or quality of life were found. Conclusion: Overall the studies supported some benefits of CCBT approaches for the psychosis continuum. The conceptual perspective on treatment has changed, nevertheless the outcomes assessed are still symptom-focused and there is still need for improvement. Methodological considerations and future directions are presented.