Social cognition training as an intervention for improving functional outcome in first‐episode psychosis: a feasibility study

Abstract

Social cognitive deficits have a detrimental effect on social and role functioning at both early and late stages of psychotic illness. To assess the feasibility of social cognition and interaction training (SCIT) in first-episode psychosis (FEP). A total of 12 FEP participants were sequentially allocated to one of two SCIT groups, each of which met once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Social cognition and functioning was assessed at baseline and post-intervention. SCIT was well-tolerated and retention was good. FEP participants improved significantly on measures of emotion recognition and social and occupational functioning. This study extends previous research by applying SCIT early in the course of illness, with the rationale that there is greater brain plasticity in this developmental phase of life, and greater scope to reduce or prevent disability. Results suggest SCIT is acceptable to and potentially helpful for this young population, thus a large randomized controlled trial is warranted.