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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Study protocol

REFLEX, a social-cognitive group treatment to improve insight in schizophrenia: study protocol of a multi-center RCT

Authors: GHM Pijnenborg, Mark Van der Gaag, Claudi LH Bockting, Lisette Van der Meer, André Aleman

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Insight is impaired in a majority of people with schizophrenia. Impaired insight is associated with poorer outcomes of the disorder. Based on existing literature, we developed a model that explains which processes may possibly play a role in impaired insight. This model was the starting point of the development of REFLEX: a brief psychosocial intervention to improve insight in schizophrenia. REFLEX is a 12-sessions group training, consisting of three modules of four sessions each. Modules in this intervention are: "coping with stigma", "you and your personal narrative", and "you in the present".

Methods/Design

REFLEX is currently evaluated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eight mental health institutions in the Netherlands participate in this evaluation. Patients are randomly assigned to either REFLEX or an active control condition, existing of cognitive remediation exercises in a group. In a subgroup of patients, fMRI scans are made before and after training in order to assess potential haemodynamic changes associated with the effects of the training.

Discussion

REFLEX is one of the few interventions aiming specifically to improving insight in schizophrenia and has potential value for improving insight. Targeting insight in schizophrenia is a complex task, that comes with several methodological issues. These issues are addressed in the discussion of this paper.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN50247539
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
REFLEX, a social-cognitive group treatment to improve insight in schizophrenia: study protocol of a multi-center RCT
Authors
GHM Pijnenborg
Mark Van der Gaag
Claudi LH Bockting
Lisette Van der Meer
André Aleman
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-161

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