BOOST Group for Psychosis

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Queen's University

Disqualifiers: Neurological disease, Neurocognitive illness, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 14

Duration: 4 weeks

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Internalized stigma, (i.e. the application of negative stereotypes about a diagnostic group to one's self) is a strong predictor of recovery and quality of life for individuals with psychosis. Be Outspoken and Overcome Stigmatizing Thoughts (BOOST) is an evidence-based intervention aimed at improving internalized stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life for those with psychosis. The proposed research expands BOOST's program by adding additional therapeutic methods and material, and adopting the use of virtual care methods to: (a) increase the generalization of treatment effects, (b) examine long-term treatment effects, and (C) provide rural Ontario communities with remote treatment access.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Christopher R Bowie, PhD

Principal Investigator

Queen's University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The BOOST trial is for young adults aged 18-35 with conditions like schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Participants should be comfortable using computers and phones, not currently abusing substances, and able to read and speak English. Those with neurological issues, significant medical illnesses affecting brain function, physical disabilities impeding participation in the program, recent head injuries, or recent CBT treatment are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Must know how to use a computer and telephone

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or a similar psychotic disorder.

Must not be abusing drugs or alcohol

Exclusion Criteria

I have a physical handicap that stops me from joining the BOOST program.

Individuals with neurological disease or neurological damage

Individuals enrolled in a cognitive behavioural therapy program in the last 6 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

BOOST is an 8-session group intervention delivered over 4 weeks, integrating cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support to reduce internalized stigma in early psychosis.

4 weeks

8 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in psychological factors associated with recovery, including internalized stigma, self-esteem, and depression symptoms.

12 months

Assessments at baseline, immediately post-treatment, 6 months, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Self-stigma intervention

Trial Overview BOOST is a self-stigma intervention designed to reduce negative self-perceptions in individuals with psychosis. The study aims to enhance this existing program by incorporating more therapeutic techniques and virtual care options to improve its impact on self-esteem and quality of life over the long term while also reaching those in remote areas.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Internalized stigma group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

BOOST is an 8 session group intervention, delivered over 4 weeks. The program uses evidence based therapeutic techniques and integrates cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support to reduce or prevent the internalization of stigma in early psychosis. Sessions 1-4 focus on dispelling stigmatizing myths about psychosis and evaluating the accuracy of group members or societies stigmatizing beliefs in order to normalize experiences associated with and reactions to the symptoms of psychosis. Sessions 5-8 teach behavioural approaches for self-empowerment through social skills training, development of assertiveness skills, and goal setting. Role-plays that are specific to young people with psychosis, which were co-developed with people with lived experience, provide opportunities to practice these skills in session. During role plays, participants monitor stigmatizing beliefs that may interfere with communication or pursuing goals.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Queen's University

Lead Sponsor

Kingston Health Sciences Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

312

Recruited

112,000+

Queen's University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

382

Recruited

122,000+