Design and hypotheses
This rater-masked randomised controlled trial compared a combination of TAT with treatment as usual (TAU). Our primary hypothesis was that TAT would more successfully improve service engagement and medication adherence. Our secondary hypotheses were that TAT would be more successful not only in preventing voluntary and involuntary readmission, but also in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. We hypothesised that these effects would have four mediators: a reduction in the experience of stigma, better therapeutic alliance, increased insight and a more integrative recovery style.