Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) psychoeducational group intervention for adolescents with psychotic symptoms and for their family |
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| Contribution code | D1.116 |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims This project seeks to reduce the risk of psychosis transition and improve outcomes for adolescents at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) in the canton of Vaud. The Adolescent Psychotic Risk Assessment Unit (ERA Unit, CHUV) was established for this purpose and offers two psychoeducational/therapeutic groups: one for teenagers and one for their relatives (parents and siblings). These groups aim to improve understanding of psychotic symptoms and enhance family communication. Both groups are based on Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), which focuses on “mentalization” – the ability to understand behaviors through underlying thoughts, beliefs, intentions, and emotions. Improved mentalizing capacities are considered protective against psychopathology. Methods This intervention was implemented as a pilot project. We organized one group for teenagers and three groups for relatives, with all participants completing pre- and post-intervention assessments. Patients’ Group: Adolescents attended six group sessions and two individual sessions (one before and one after the group). Assessments measured satisfaction, mentalization abilities, emotional regulation, empathy, and self-esteem. Relatives’ Group: Parents and siblings participated in five group sessions and one final individual session. Their assessments included satisfaction, feelings of loneliness, mentalization abilities, emotional regulation, and parental skills. Results and Conclusions Patients’ Group: Preliminary results indicate that adolescents appreciated the group for providing a space to share experiences and reducing feelings of isolation. The group experience helped them gain greater insight into their own functioning and improved their ability to manage symptoms. Relatives’ Group: Family members reported an improved understanding of psychotic symptoms, reduced subjective loneliness, and a better knowledge of resources available to support their adolescent and the family. These initial results suggest that the intervention is well-received by participants and that combining psychoeducational strategies with MBT shows promise for supporting adolescents at CHR-P and their families. Building on these findings, we plan to launch a study to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of these groups. |