Stepped Care for Youth at Risk of Psychosis
This study aims to find the most effective and efficient ways to help young people, aged 12 to 30, who show early signs that they might be at risk of developing psychosis. Researchers want to understand if starting with milder support and only moving to more focused talking therapies, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or CBSST (Cognitive Behavioural Social Skills Training), if initial treatments aren't enough, is the best approach. They will keep track of how participants improve over 18 months, looking at their symptoms and how well they're managing daily life. The goal is to make sure young people get the right level of support at the right time.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking for young people, aged between 12 and 30, who have been identified as possibly being at a higher risk of developing psychosis. Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where someone might experience distorted thoughts or perceptions, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there. The study aims to get a better understanding of how to offer the right support at the right time to these young people.
Currently, it's not always clear which treatment should be offered first, or when it's best to move on to more intensive therapies. This study will offer different kinds of support, starting with simpler, more gentle options. If a young person doesn't show enough improvement with the first type of support, they might then be offered more focused talking therapies, such as individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or group Cognitive Behavioural Social Skills Training (CBSST).
The main idea is to see if this 'stepped care' approach – starting with lighter support and only increasing the intensity when needed – works well. The researchers will be checking in with participants at different times over 18 months to see how they are doing. This includes looking at any changes in their symptoms, how well they are managing their social lives, and if they are sticking with the treatments. The information gathered will help doctors in the future to better match young people to the most helpful and cost-effective treatments for them.
Key takeaways
- Targets young people (12-30) at risk of psychosis.
- Tests a 'stepped care' approach to therapy, starting gentle.
- Compares individual support, CBT, and group CBSST.
- No medication is involved in this study.
- Follow-up assessments over 18 months.
- Aims to find the most effective and efficient treatment plan.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be a young person aged between 12 and 30 years old. You must have been identified by health professionals as being at a higher risk of developing psychosis, based on specific health checks.
However, you won't be able to join the study if you have ever been diagnosed with psychosis in the past, or if you have an existing mental health condition that is already considered a 'psychotic disorder'. You also can't take part if you have a very low IQ (below 70) or if you have or have had a significant condition affecting your brain or nervous system.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 12 and 30 years old?
- Have health professionals said you might be at a higher risk for psychosis?
- Have you *never* been diagnosed with psychosis before?
- Do you have an IQ believed to be 70 or higher?
- Do you *not* have a serious, pre-existing brain or nervous system condition?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be offered different types of talking therapy and support. The study starts with less intensive support, and if needed, you might move on to more focused talking therapies like individual CBT or group CBSST. This is a study to see which approach works best, not to test new medications; no study medications are involved.
You will have regular check-ups and assessments to see how you are feeling and if the support is helping. These assessments will happen when you start the study, and then again after 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. The total time you'd be involved in the study is 18 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Mathison Centre for Research and Education, University of CalgaryVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada
Common questions
What exactly is 'clinical high risk for psychosis'?
This means you've shown some early signs or symptoms that suggest you might have a higher chance of developing psychosis in the future, but you haven't actually been diagnosed with psychosis yet.
What kind of support will I get?
You'll start with general support, either individually or in a group. If that's not helping enough, you might then be offered more focused therapies like individual CBT (a type of talking therapy) or group CBSST (which teaches social skills along with CBT).
Will I have to take medication?
No, this study focuses on talking therapies and support; there are no medications involved in the study itself.
How long will I be in the study?
You'll be part of the study for 18 months in total, with assessments at the start, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect any other medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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