Social-Cognitive Skills Training for Schizophrenia
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Many individuals with serious mental illness have difficulty accurately interpreting interpersonal cues and effectively engaging in social exchanges. Difficulties related to the interpersonal aspects of work can lead to isolation, poor productivity, and job loss. The goals of this study are to: 1) adapt an evidence-based social cognitive skills intervention for work settings and use with Veterans, 2) examine the acceptability of the work focused skills training intervention, 3) assess the feasibility of combining the social cognitive skills training program with supported employment, and 4) examine change on functional outcomes. The current study will use feedback from veteran and employment specialist stakeholders to adapt an evidence-based social cognitive skills training program, Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT). The intervention will be modified to tailor it to work relationships and to address any unique relationship concerns among Veterans that are identified by stakeholders. SCIT-Work Edition (SCIT-WE) will add: 1) education about work-related social norms; 2) examples of work-related social interactions that require perspective taking and problem- solving; 3) individual sessions with the study therapist to enhance learning and relevance to each participant's goals; 4) structured interactions with the participant's employment specialist to practice skills outside of group; and 5) skill application sessions with the participant's employment specialist that prompt use of skills after training is completed. SCIT-WE will be developed and piloted in an open trial with 20 Veterans enrolled in the supported employment program at the Minneapolis VA who have a qualifying serious mental illness diagnosis. SCIT-WE will be offered for 2 hours weekly over 13 weeks, when most participants are in the job development and job search phases of supported employment. While participating in the group skills training, participants will have weekly, individual homework review sessions with the group facilitator to promote understanding of the skills and to discuss relevance of the skills to personal goals. Participants also will practice skills weekly with their employment specialist for 10-15 minutes to promote use of skills outside of group sessions. In the 3-months following skills training completion, participants will complete 10 15-minute skills review sessions with their employment specialist to encourage continued skill application in a work setting. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, before receiving the intervention; 3-months post-enrollment, after participating in a weekly skills training group; and 6-months post-enrollment, after receiving 10 additional individual skills review sessions with their employment specialist. Accessibility will be measured with rate of treatment uptake, rate of treatment completion, and participant attitudes toward the intervention. Feasibility of the intervention will be assessed by examining retention in supported employment and the study at 3- and 6-months post-enrollment. Impact of the intervention will be examined with measures of quality of life, social adjustment, self-efficacy, and work relationship quality. It is hypothesized that the intervention will be acceptable to Veterans. The investigators predict a 50% treatment uptake rate, a 70% intervention completion rate, and positive ratings on measures of satisfaction, interest, and value. The investigators hypothesize that it will be feasible to complete this intervention in combination with supported employment activities. The investigators predict that retention in both skills training and supported employment will be 75% at 3-months post-enrollment and 60% 6-months post enrollment. The investigators hypothesize that positive change will be seen at 3-months post-enrollment and sustained at 6-months post-enrollment on measures of quality of life and social adjustment. The investigators predicted that self-efficacy regarding return to work will be improved at 3-months post-enrollment. The investigators predict that Veterans will report being productive and having positive work relationships 6-months post-enrollment. The findings will inform the development of a novel intervention targeting the social and functional impairments associated with serious mental illness. The knowledge gained from this study will guide the development of the next generation of interventions. Given that employment is a critical part of recovery, advancement in therapeutic interventions that support Veterans in this process will be of significance.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for schizophrenia?
Research shows that SCIT can improve social cognition and social skills in people with schizophrenia, which are important for better social functioning. Studies indicate that SCIT is promising in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and it has been found to be acceptable and feasible in various healthcare environments.12345
Is Social-Cognitive Skills Training for Schizophrenia safe for humans?
How is the Social Cognition and Interaction Training-Work Edition (SCIT-WE) treatment different from other treatments for schizophrenia?
SCIT-WE is unique because it specifically targets social cognition, which is the ability to understand and process social interactions, to improve social functioning in people with schizophrenia. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or general cognitive-behavioral therapy, SCIT-WE is a structured, group-based therapy that focuses on enhancing skills like emotion perception and social skills, which are crucial for better social interactions.12345
Research Team
Tasha Marie Nienow, PhD
Principal Investigator
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for Veterans at the Minneapolis VA with serious mental illnesses like Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or PTSD who are motivated to work. They must be outpatients seeking employment within 30 miles of the center and able to understand English well enough to participate in group interventions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Social Cognition and Interaction Training-Work Edition (SCIT-WE) for 2 hours weekly over 13 weeks, focusing on work-related social cognitive skills.
Follow-up
Participants complete 10 skills review sessions with their employment specialist to encourage continued skill application in a work setting.
Long-term Follow-up
Participants are monitored for retention in supported employment and changes in quality of life, social adjustment, and self-efficacy.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Social Cognition and Interaction Training-Work Edition (SCIT-WE)
Social Cognition and Interaction Training-Work Edition (SCIT-WE) is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Serious Mental Illness
- Schizophrenia
- Psychotic Disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor