Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, with over one in seven adolescents experiencing mental health issues, including psychosis. About 5% are considered at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHRp). Psychotic experiences in adolescents vary from non-clinical symptoms to full psychosis, and early detection of CHRp is essential for effective intervention. This includes identifying prepsychotic or pseudo-psychotic experiences, such as unusual perceptions or beliefs. However, defining CHRp is challenging due to the complex nature of psychosis, which involves emotional regulation and comorbidity with conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Emotional regulation strategies, especially experiential avoidance, play a key role in the relationship between CHRp and psychological symptoms. Adolescents at high risk for psychosis, particularly those who use avoidant coping strategies, are more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and engage in substance use. These findings highlight the importance of emotional regulation in psychotic symptom progression, with interventions targeting emotional coping strategies offering potential for prevention. Early detection and programs focused on emotional awareness and non-avoidant coping could help reduce the risk of psychosis in this vulnerable group.

Reference: Fernández I, Vallina-Fernández Ó, Alonso-Bada S, Rus-Calafell M, Paino M. Emotional regulation as a mediating variable between risk of psychosis and common mental health problems in adolescents. J Psychiatr Res. 2025;181:273-281. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.11.058.