Study of the Impact on the Therapeutic Alliance of a Short Initial Psychoeducation Programme in Patients With Early Schizophrenia

Overview

Schizophrenia is a serious, disabling and unfortunately common disease. Its prevalence is in the order of 0.6 to 1% in the general population, a figure that remains relatively stable in the various cultures. The overall prognosis, particularly in terms of function, remains largely negative. The investigators know that a global management can considerably slow down this unfavourable evolution: according to the recommendations, the patient suffering from schizophrenia requires an effective and well-tolerated pharmacotherapy, associated with an adapted psychotherapy as well as cognitive remediation workshops, training in social skills, and psycho-education. There are indeed a large number of studies that have shown these elements in patients with schizophrenic disorders that have been present for several years. The investigators now know that early treatment is a key prognostic element. Indeed, the earlier care is provided during the first psychotic episode, the better the subsequent prognosis: the probability of further decompensation is reduced, as is the risk of developing deficits, such as cognitive difficulties. However, there is a lack of access to all the recommended aspects of management in the initial phase of the disorder, particularly concerning early psycho-educational programmes for patients, which have been relatively little studied in clinical research. In this context, it seems relevant to study the impact of a new programme of this type on a fundamental parameter, conditioning the subsequent access to care: the therapeutic alliance. "PPIC" is a short psycho-educational programme in 4 sessions, specifically designed to accompany young patients, and focused on the issues of this crucial period of the care process.