Narrative exposure therapy in early intervention in psychosis services (NETp): protocol of a multi-site feasibility randomised controlled trial study

Introduction Cumulative interpersonal traumatisation increases the risk of psychosis and is linked to psychotic symptom severity and reduced recovery rates. Psychosis and treatment themselves can also be traumatising, with a first episode of psychosis posing challenges to one's identity.

Despite a growing evidence base for the safety and effectiveness of trauma therapies for psychosis, implementation remains poor in early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services, partly due to resource constraints. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in ethnically diverse populations.

Crucially it has potential to address barriers to implementation of trauma therapies in EIP as it has a brief duration with minimal training requirements. This feasibility study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a definite trial of NET in people with early psychosis.

Methods and analysis An individually randomised parallel groups feasibility randomised controlled trial with embedded qualitative evaluation will be conducted. 50 individuals with first episode psychosis and a history of multiple trauma under the care of an EIP service in two NHS trusts in England will be recruited.