Project Summary

Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2003) of Dartmouth College, notes that persons with severe mental illness (SMI) depict the effects of a psychotic episode on self-confidence and ability to pursue personal goals as traumatic.  These effects can be especially deleterious early in the course of SMI and can lead to denial of the illness, non-compliance with treatment, and a fragmented, damaged sense of self.  When the experience of a psychotic episode is construed as a “traumatic event” many people with SMI meet criteria for the diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and may worsen the course of the illness.  Dr. Mueser has developed a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) program for PTSD in another study, which she will now apply to addressing the PTSD due to a first episode of psychosis to reduce PTSD symptom severity, decrease dependence and anxiety, and increase self-efficacy and adherence to recommended treatments.  If effective, this would represent the first psychosocial treatment for recent onset of psychosis rigorously demonstrated to improve outcome.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Schizophrenia/PTSD

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