Studies in Clinical High-risk for Psychosis: Treatment, Stress, and Personality

This dissertation consists of seven chapters, where each chapter is composed of a self-contained study examining vulnerabilities and risk factors for those identified at Clinical High-Risk state for psychosis. In chapter 1, we review the literature on the CHR state for psychosis, discussing risk and resilience factors as the core focus for treatment and early intervention. In chapter 2, we propose manual adaptations to an existing intervention fundamentally rooted in positive psychology as an adjunct to current treatments for those at CHR for conversion to psychosis. In chapter 3, we propose a complete randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol to examine PPT for CHR youth using manual adaptations proposed in Chapter 2. Chapters 4 through 7, we examine both pathological and normal-range personality traits as potential risk factors for the CHR state. The overall objective of these series of self-contained studies being to elucidate underlying risk factors of pathological and normal-range personality traits in a highly vulnerable group of individuals identified at CHR for conversion to psychosis from those who do not. In outlining personality trait elevations which distinguish those CHR classified at higher-risk versus comparatively lower-risk for conversion to psychosis, may provide the scientific community with greater insight into early identification, treatment recommendations and early interventions focused on developing effective coping behaviors and self- regulatory exercises to manage negative emotions and stress.Ph.D