Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who are currently experiencing active psychosis symptoms. Participants will either receive six months of virtual CBT sessions or continue with their usual care. Virtual CBT includes one-on-one sessions with a therapist via Zoom, and all necessary technology will be provided if needed. This trial suits those who have schizophrenia or a similar condition, are currently experiencing active symptoms, and can use a computer. As an unphased trial, this study offers the opportunity to explore innovative therapy options and contribute to advancing mental health treatments.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis is safe?
Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is safe. Studies have found it helps with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Even when delivered online, it remains effective and well-received by most patients. One study noted that a few participants discontinued the online therapy early, but most completed their sessions without issues. This suggests that online CBTp is generally manageable. Overall, evidence supports its safety and acceptability for individuals experiencing active symptoms of psychosis.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis is unique because it delivers therapy directly to patients' homes using an online platform. This approach ensures accessibility for individuals who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. Additionally, it supplements the standard care without requiring any changes to existing treatments, which could make it a versatile option for patients. Researchers are excited about this method as it combines the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the convenience of virtual delivery, potentially reaching a broader audience and improving adherence to mental health treatment.
What evidence suggests that Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is effective for psychosis?
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) can improve symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia-related disorders. Studies have found that CBTp helps manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions and teaches coping skills. A review of several studies found that CBTp has a noticeable impact, though it might not work for everyone. In this trial, participants will receive Virtual CBT for Psychosis through video calls, enabling participation from home. Overall, evidence suggests that Virtual CBT for Psychosis can effectively manage symptoms of psychosis.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michael W Best, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Toronto
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 18-65 with active symptoms of psychosis, who can use a computer and communicate in English. It's suitable for those diagnosed with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders, provided they're not abusing substances or have had CBT in the last 6 months.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive individual virtual cognitive behavioural therapy sessions for 1-hour per week for 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis
Trial Overview
The study tests virtual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for psychosis over six months against usual treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two groups and evaluated at the start, after six months, and again after twelve months.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
CBT will be delivered according to an established manual that the PI has previously used successfully for in-person treatment. Treatment will consist of individual sessions with a psychologist employed by the University of Toronto for 1-hour per week for 6-months, or by one of the listed clinical graduate students under his supervision. All treatment will be delivered virtually in the participant's home using the online platform Zoom which is PHIPA/PIPEDA compliant. If participants do not have the technology required for virtual sessions, then a tablet will be loaned to them for the duration of treatment. This treatment will be delivered in addition to usual care and no changes to usual care will be required.
Participants continue with their regular standard of care without the addition of virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Collaborator
Citations
Virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis
Participants with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who are experiencing active symptoms of psychosis will randomized to either receive 6 months of ...
Effectiveness of a Videoconference-Based Cognitive ...
In the West, cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) has shown promise in improving positive symptoms and acquiring coping skills [4]. A meta-analysis ...
Virtual reality-based versus standard cognitive behavioral ...
This contrasts with meta-analysis evidence suggesting that a stronger behavioral component in CBT for psychosis is associated with larger ...
4.
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03473-yVirtual reality cognitive-behavioural therapy ... - BMC Psychiatry
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is the primary psychological treatment, but the median effect size is only small to medium.
Virtual-reality-based cognitive behavioural therapy versus ...
TKJ Craig et al. AVATAR therapy for auditory verbal hallucinations in people with psychosis: a single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet ...
Virtual reality-based versus standard cognitive behavioral ...
In the VR-CBTp group, 24 participants (19%) discontinued treatment (that is, attended 1 to 9 sessions before dropping out) and 102 (81%) ...
A case series in using virtual-reality assisted CBTp for ...
The results demonstrated that VR can be effectively integrated into therapy, and lead to improvements in social functioning.
Effectiveness of a Videoconference-Based Cognitive ...
Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is not sufficiently widespread in clinical practice, although evidence has ...
Application of a virtual reality-based cognitive-behavioural ...
This study provides preliminary evidence that CBT+VRET is acceptable, safe, and initial data that bears on the question of effectiveness for ...
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