A systematic review of self-report measures of paranoia.

Paranoia can be conceptualized as consisting of a hierarchy of cognitions, ranging from commonly experienced thoughts about less severe perceived threats, up to less common, persecutory thoughts about extreme threats, which are associated with distressing psychosis. This review systematically appraises self-report paranoia questionnaires validated for use among the general population; the type of paranoia assessed, measurement or psychometric properties, and subsequent validation with clinical samples are all considered. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Study methodologies and measurement properties were evaluated according to COnsenus-based Standards for the selection of health-based Measurement Instruments (Mokkink et al., 2012). Twenty-six studies, describing the validation of nine paranoia-related questionnaires, were identified. Questionnaires were reviewed in relation to the hierarchy of paranoia; with 2 questionnaires assessing "low-level" paranoia, 4 assessing persecutory thoughts, and the remainder assessing paranoia across this continua. Questionnaires assessing the full hierarchy of paranoid thoughts, alongside associated dimensions such as preoccupation, conviction, and distress, offer the most comprehensive assessment of paranoia in both nonclinical and clinical populations. Of the measures which do this, the Green et al. (2008) Paranoid Thoughts Scale had the strongest evidence for its measurement properties and is, therefore, recommended as the most reliable and valid self-report assessment of paranoia currently available. However, this review illustrated that generally paranoia questionnaires lack high quality evidence for their measurement properties. Implications of these findings for clinical practice and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

The views of service users on the accessibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess how accessible, acceptable, and effective psychodynamic psychotherapy (PP) is perceived to be by service users. METHOD: Interviews were conducted with 10 participants, who had finished, or were attending, PP. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most participants understood how they had accessed PP. However, a minority were unsure. Some found traveling to sessions anxiety-provoking and appreciated a friendly greeting upon arrival. Participants highlighted feeling listened to. However, many participants were unhappy about therapy ending and struggled to share what they had learned. Some were surprised by the content of sessions. Finally, most participants highlighted problems that had improved because of therapy. IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should ensure that service users understand the nature of PP before starting sessions and identify clear goals. Support traveling to sessions may improve attendance, Finally, the importance of planning the ending of therapy was highlighted. ORIGINALITY VALUE: The paper captures the views of those with ID on the accessibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of PP.