Method of levels therapy for first-episode psychosis: rationale, design and baseline data for the feasibility randomised controlled Next Level study

Robert Griffiths; Warren Mansell; Timothy A Carey; Dawn Edge; Richard Emsley; Sara J Tai

doi:10.1192/bjo.2018.44

Method of levels therapy for first-episode psychosis: rationale, design and baseline data for the feasibility randomised controlled Next Level study

BJPsych Open. 2018 Aug 14;4(5):339-345. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2018.44. eCollection 2018 Sep.

Authors

Robert Griffiths¹, Warren Mansell², Timothy A Carey³, Dawn Edge⁴, Richard Emsley⁵, Sara J Tai⁶

Affiliations

¹ NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow and Psychological Therapist, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Manchester and Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
² Reader in Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK.
³ Director, Centre for Remote Health, Flinders University, Australia.
⁴ Senior Lecturer, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK.
⁵ Professor of Medical Statistics & Trials Methodology, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
⁶ Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK.

Abstract

Background: Method of levels (MOL) is an innovative transdiagnostic cognitive therapy with potential advantages over existing psychological treatments for psychosis.

Aims: The Next Level study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of MOL for people experiencing first-episode psychosis. It aims to determine the suitability of MOL for further testing in a definitive trial (trial registration ISRCTN13359355).

Method: The study uses a parallel group non-masked feasibilityRCT design with two conditions: (a) treatment as usual (TAU) and (b) TAU plus MOL. Participants (n = 36) were recruited from early intervention in psychosis services. Outcome measures are completed at baseline, 10 and 14 months. The primary outcomes are recruitment and retention.

Results: Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics are presented along with baseline data.

Conclusions: Next Level has recruited to target, providing evidence that it is feasible to recruit to a RCT of MOL for first-episode psychosis.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords: Method of Levels; feasibility; first-episode psychosis; randomised controlled trial.