Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy Combined With Usual Care for Young Adults Experiencing Early Psychosis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a mindfulness-based group therapy called FEEL-GOOD for young inpatients aged 16 to 35 years with acute early psychosis. This randomized controlled trial compares FEEL-GOOD plus treatment as usual TAU to TAU alone. The study aims to assess the impact of this therapy on total psychopathology, positive and negative symptoms, and emotion regulation during a critical treatment period when current psychological interventions often show limited success in younger patients. The FEEL-GOOD intervention includes one individual preparatory session followed by eight weekly group sessions over four weeks. These group sessions involve four to eight participants and focus on mindfulness and emotion regulation skills, including attention to the present moment, non-judgmental awareness, emotional acceptance, and coping with distressing emotions. The control group receives standard inpatient psychiatric care including medication, counselling, and therapy. The therapy is delivered by trained clinical psychologists or psychiatrists using a detailed manual. Participants will undergo assessments at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and at 6 months follow-up. These assessments include observer-rated measures of psychopathology using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale PANSS and other scales for mindfulness, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and quality of life. Daily self-reports during the intervention period and continuous monitoring of serious adverse events are also part of the study. Participation lasts from enrollment through the 6-month follow-up assessment.

FEEL-GOOD: A Multicenter Trial of a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy in Young Adults With Early Psychosis