Evolutionary Systems Therapy for Schizotypy

This study aims at replicating existing preliminary evidence about the effectiveness of Evolutionary Systems Therapy for Schizotypy (ESTS). The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare ESTS with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD). The main questions our RCT aims to answer are:Is ESTS more effective than CBT in treating SPD?Is ESTS more feasible than CBT in treating SPD?38 patients diagnosed with SPD will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the experimental group (i.e. ESTS) or the control group (CBT). Primary outcome will be reduction in general symptomatology, whereas secondary outcomes will be changes in target mechanisms (self-criticism and metacognition) and remission from diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:Diagnosis of Schizotypal Personality Disorder at SCID-5-AMPD Module IIIAge 18 or olderBeing capable of reading and signing the inform consent form in ItalianBeing capable of attending a talk therapy in ItalianExclusion Criteria:Being diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or other psychosis disorderBeing diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or neurological disordersBeing diagnosed with bipolar disorderBeing under any psychological or pharmacological treatment