Assessing Cognitive Therapy Instead Of Neuroleptics: Rationale, study design and sample characteristics of the ACTION trial

Aims: Recent evidence regarding over-estimation of the efficacy of antipsychotics and under-estimation of their toxicity, as well as emerging data regarding alternative treatment options, suggest it may be time to introduce patient choice. However, only a small number of studies have reported on the efficacy of interventions for psychological interventions such as cognitive therapy. Early results suggest that cognitive therapy may be an effective, well-tolerated treatment for people who choose not to take antipsychotics. We report on the rationale and design for a multi-site randomised, controlled trial of cognitive therapy for people with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis who choose not to take antipsychotics.Methods: The study employs a single-blind design in which all participants receive treatment as usual, and half are randomised to up to 30 sessions of cognitive therapy for up to 9 months. Participants will be followed-up for a minimum of 9 months and to a maximum of 18 months.Results: We report the characteristics of the final sample at baseline (N = 74).Conclusions: Our study aims to expand the currently limited evidence base for best practice in interventions for individuals with psychosis who choose not to take antipsychotics. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.