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Abstract Background In patients with a psychotic disorder, rates of substance use (tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol) are higher compared to the general population. However, little is known about associations between substance use and self-reported aspects of social functioning in patients with a psychotic disorder. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 281 community-dwelling patients with a psychotic disorder, linear regression models were used to assess associations between substance use (tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) and self-reported aspects of social functioning (perceived social support, stigmatization, social participation, or loneliness) adjusting for confounders (age, gender, and severity of psychopathology). Results Compared to nonsmokers, both intermediate and heavy smokers reported lower scores on loneliness (E = −0.580, SE = 0.258, p = 0.025 and E = −0.547, SE = 0,272, p = 0.046, respectively). Daily cannabis users reported less social participation deficits than non-cannabis users (E = −0.348, SE = 0.145, p = 0.017). Problematic alcohol use was associated with more perceived social support compared to non-alcohol use (E = 3.152, SE = 1.102, p = 0.005). Polysubstance users reported less loneliness compared to no users (E = −0.569, SE = 0.287, p = 0.049). Conclusions Substance use in patients with psychosis is associated with more favorable scores on various self-reported aspects of social functioning.

Summary: Background: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) forms the standard psychotherapy for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). We aimed to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of CBT for SSD. Methods: In this umbrella review, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database, and PsychInfo, for meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT in SSD published between database inception up to Aug 18, 2023. Inclusion criteria were RCTs investigating individually provided CBT in a population of patients with SSD, compared to either standard care, treatment as usually, or any other psychosocial therapies. No restrictions concerning follow-up or language were applied. We used the “assessment of multiple systematic reviews” (AMSTAR-2) appraisal checklist for the evaluation of methodological quality of meta-analysis. We extracted summary metrics from eligible studies in duplicate. The strength of evidence was classified by the sample size, p-value, excess significance bias, prediction intervals, significance of largest study, and heterogeneity. The strength of evidence was ranked according to established criteria as: convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, or not significant. Primary outcomes were general psychopathology, positive and negative symptoms. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42022334671. Findings: We found 26 eligible meta-analyses, of which 16 meta-analyses provided sufficient data. Using the AMSTAR-2, we found limitations in details concerning the selection of study design, quality of the search and reporting of funding in included meta-analyses. A minority of 42.9% of the comparisons showed a significant result in favor of CBT; 57.1% were non-significant with no convincing or highly suggestive evidence. Suggestive evidence was found in favor of CBT for general psychopathology (6.2%, N = 34 RCTs, effect size (ES) = −0.33 (−0.47; −0.19), I2 = 67.93), delusions (16.7%, N = 27, ES = 0.36 (0.22; 0.51), I2 = 50.47), and hallucinations (33.3%, N = 28, ES = 0.32 (0.19; 0.46), I2 = 45.14) at the end of treatment (EoT). Weak (N = 34 RCTs, ES = −0.13 (−0.24; −0.02), I2 = 51.28), or non-significant evidence (N = 28 RCTs, ES = 0.12 (−0.03; 0.27) I2 = 64.63) was found for negative symptoms at EoT. At longer follow-up, evidence became weak or non-significant. Interpretation: Findings suggest that the effectiveness of CBT on general and positive symptoms in SSD at EoT was small to medium, while we found inconsistent evidence for a sustainable effect. CBT has no convincing impact on other relevant outcomes. Guidelines may use these results to specify their recommendations. Funding: None.

BackgroundThere is still limited evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of smoking cessation interventions for people with severe mental illness (SMI) in Dutch outpatient psychiatric settings. The present study aimed to establish expert consensus on the core components and strategies to optimise practical implementation of a smoking cessation intervention for people treated by Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams in the Netherlands.DesignA modified Delphi method was applied to reach consensus on three core components (behavioural counselling, pharmacological treatment and peer support) of the intervention. The Delphi panel comprised five experts with different professional backgrounds. We proposed a first intervention concept. The panel critically examined the evolving concept in three iterative rounds of 90 min each. Responses were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.ResultsOverall, results yielded that behavioural counselling should focus on preparation for smoking cessation, guidance, relapse prevention and normalisation. Pharmacological treatment consisting of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Varenicline or Bupropion, under supervision of a psychiatrist, was recommended. The panel agreed on integrating peer support as a regular part of the intervention, thus fostering emotional and practical support among patients. Treatment of a co-morbid cannabis use disorder needs to be integrated into the intervention if indicated. Regarding implementation, staff's motivation to support smoking cessation was considered essential. For each ambulatory team, two mental health care professionals will have a central role in delivering the intervention.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into expert consensus on the core components of a smoking cessation intervention for people with SMI. The results of this study were used for the development of a comprehensive smoking cessation program.