Social Function Training for Psychosis

Overseen By Joanna M Fiszdon, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Substance use disorder, Developmental disability, Neurological illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 18

113 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) are associated with poor social function. By doing this study, the investigators hope to learn which of two different types of 2-month long training courses is more effective in improving day-to-day interactions and quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. However, you must be psychiatrically stable, meaning no changes in psychiatric medication for at least 30 days before joining.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment MovingForward, USS for improving social function in psychosis?

The research highlights that improving social functioning is a key goal in treating psychosis, and various studies have developed scales to measure social functioning improvements. While specific data on MovingForward, USS is not provided, the focus on social functioning in psychosis treatment suggests that interventions targeting social skills can be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Social Function Training for Psychosis safe for humans?

The studies on social skills training for psychosis, including adaptations for youth and outpatients with schizophrenia, do not report any safety concerns. These interventions focus on improving social functioning and quality of life, suggesting they are generally safe for human participants. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How is the treatment MovingForward, USS different from other treatments for psychosis?

MovingForward, USS is unique because it focuses on social function training specifically for individuals with psychosis, aiming to improve their social skills and real-world functioning. This approach is distinct from other treatments that may not specifically target social functioning or may focus more on symptom management rather than enhancing social interactions and skills. ^{1 4 10 11 12}

Research Team

Joanna M. Fiszdon, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans fluent in English who have been psychiatrically stable for at least 30 days and diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. They must be able to consent legally to participate. Those with developmental disabilities, current substance use disorders, severe sensory impairments, or other medical conditions affecting brain function cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a veteran diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.

I have been psychiatrically stable for at least 30 days.

fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.

I have not been diagnosed with any brain impairing conditions like dementia or severe head trauma.

currently enrolled in another treatment study targeting, or expected to impact, functioning.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo one of two training courses focusing on social cognition or problem-solving strategies

8 weeks

16-20 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social functioning and skills after training

8 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• MovingForward
• USS

Trial Overview The study compares two different 2-month training programs designed to improve social functioning and quality of life in people with psychotic spectrum disorders. The effectiveness of USS versus MovingForward training courses will be evaluated.

Participant Groups

Group I: USS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

social cognitive training

Group II: MovingForward Active Control 1 Intervention

problem solving training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 101 schizophrenia patients undergoing community rehabilitation, improvements in social functioning were significantly associated with reductions in negative symptoms as measured by the PANSS scale.

Younger age at onset of schizophrenia and improvements in overall disability (WHODAS-II score) also contributed to better social functioning, highlighting the importance of addressing negative symptoms in treatment plans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Negative symptoms predict the improvement of social functioning of patients with schizophrenia]. He, Q., Chen, Y., Chow, SL., et al.[2018]

The Social Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFS) was developed as a quick and effective tool to measure social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia, which is crucial for their community living and overall outcomes.

The SOFS demonstrated strong reliability and validity, with a three-factor structure that includes adaptive living skills, social appropriateness, and interpersonal skills, explaining 59% of the variance in scores.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Social Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFS): a brief measure of functional status in persons with schizophrenia. Saraswat, N., Rao, K., Subbakrishna, DK., et al.[2022]

Cognitive-behavioural social skills training (CBSST) was found to be feasible and well-accepted among 22 participants with first-episode psychosis over an 18-week program.

Participants showed significant improvements in adaptive functioning, which were maintained even 3 months after the program ended, suggesting potential long-term benefits of CBSST.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioural social skills training for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study. Herman, Y., Shireen, H., Bromley, S., et al.[2019]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of premorbid adjustment, neurocognition, and depression on social and role functioning in patients in an early psychosis treatment program. [2015]

2. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Negative symptoms predict the improvement of social functioning of patients with schizophrenia]. [2018]

3. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of social and role outcomes in first episode psychosis: A prospective 12-month study of social cognition, neurocognition and symptoms. [2021]

4. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and preliminary validation of the First Episode Social Functioning Scale for early psychosis. [2019]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Social Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFS): a brief measure of functional status in persons with schizophrenia. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training Adapted for Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis. [2022]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A brief cognitive-behavioural social skills training for stabilised outpatients with schizophrenia: a preliminary study. [2018]

8. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social cognition and interaction training for recent-onset schizophrenia: A preliminary randomized trial. [2021]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Longitudinal patterns of social functioning and conversion to psychosis in subjects at ultra-high risk. [2011]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social skills, negative symptoms and real-world functioning in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis. [2022]

11. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive-behavioural social skills training for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study. [2019]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A meta-analysis of controlled research on social skills training for schizophrenia. [2022]