Social functioning is impaired among many patients with a first episode of psychosis, who also show a lower ability to recognize, understand and benefit from social stimuli (i.e., deficits in social cognition) than their pairs. Both deficits underlie the general functional impairment found across non-affective psychotic syndromes. Since currently available pharmacological strategies have not proven themselves effective in addressing this matter, new psychotherapeutic approaches should be developed. Investigators' main hypothesis is that a mindfulness-based social cognition group training (SocialMind) will improve social and general functioning, and that this improvement will be higher in the SocialMind than in the psychoeducation group. Given the association between oxidative stress and cognitive functioning, a relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and intervention-related variables is also expected.
A research team with more than ten mental health professionals and many collaborators will carry and oversee the assessment sessions. A Pharmacology Department will analyse the biological samples. Regulated-trained, well-experienced clinicians will design and administer both interventions. The whole team will take part in the process of scientific publication and results dissemination.
