Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming victim of a crime or other forms of aggression. Research has revealed several possible risk factors (e.g. impaired social cognition, aggression regulation problems, assertiveness, self-stigma, self-esteem) for victimization in patients with a psychotic disorder. To address these risk factors and prevent victimization, we developed a body-oriented resilience training with elements of kickboxing: BEATVIC. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.Methods/DesignSeven mental health institutions in the Netherlands will participate in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BEATVIC training or the control condition: social activation. Follow-ups are at 6, 18 and 30 months. Short term effects on risk factors for victimization will be examined, since these are direct targets of the intervention and are thought to be mediators of victimization, the primary outcome of the intervention. The effect on victimization will be investigated at follow-up. In a subgroup of patients, fMRI scans will be made before and after the intervention period in order to assess potential neural changes associated with the effects of the training.DiscussionThis study is the first to examine the effectiveness of an intervention targeted at victimization in psychosis. Methodological issues of the study are addressed in the discussion of this paper.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials: ISRCTN21423535. Retrospectively registered 30-03-2016.
Highlights
Individuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming victim of a crime or other forms of aggression
This study is the first to examine the effectiveness of an intervention targeted at victimization in psychosis
None of these interventions was developed for individuals with a psychotic disorder [12], while the high victimization rates [1,2,3] and both psychotic patients and caregivers indicate the need for an intervention tailored to the needs of this specific group [13]
Summary
Individuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming victim of a crime or other forms of aggression [67]. This trial will be the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a preventive intervention targeted at victimization for people with psychotic disorders. We will control for drop-out by the inclusion of 25 % extra participants to ensure statistical power will be maintained Another more general drawback involves the use of self-report measures. A subgroup of participants decided to attend kickboxing lessons in a regular gym under supervision of the expert by experience Corroboration of such results in larger, randomized controlled trials may warrant inclusion of this approach in regular practice
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