Not yet recruitingInterventional

Testing the clinical effectiveness of Social Recovery Therapy for people with psychosis and social disability

This study, called "Improving Social Recovery in Psychosis (ISRIP)", looks at a new therapy called Social Recovery Therapy (SRT). It's for adults aged 18-65 who experience psychosis and have difficulty with social activities, like working or studying. The study wants to see if adding SRT to a person's usual care can help them spend more time in meaningful activities, improve their mood, and feel more hopeful and better about their lives. Researchers are also checking if SRT is good value for money. This is a crucial step to see if this therapy could be widely offered in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

410

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Psychosis

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new type of talking therapy called Social Recovery Therapy (SRT). It's designed for people who have been diagnosed with something called psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, sometimes making it difficult to connect with others or take part in everyday activities like work or hobbies. Many people with psychosis find it hard to get involved in these kinds of activities, and current treatments don't always help enough with this.

Researchers have tried out SRT in smaller studies and found that it might be helpful. This larger study aims to properly test if SRT, added to the care people usually receive, is better than just usual care alone. The main goal is to see if SRT helps people spend more time doing structured activities. They'll also look at other things like how it affects symptoms of psychosis, mood, how hopeful people feel, and their general quality of life. The study will also figure out if SRT is good value for money for the NHS.

Over the long term, the researchers want to understand if the positive effects of SRT last. They will check records after 24 months to see if people are still working or studying, how often they use mental health services, and if they've had any relapses. Alongside the main trial, there will be further research to understand how SRT works best, particularly for people from different backgrounds, to ensure it can be helpful and sensitive to everyone's needs.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new therapy for psychosis called Social Recovery Therapy (SRT).
It aims to help people with psychosis become more involved in meaningful activities.
Participation involves questionnaires and possibly receiving SRT in addition to usual care.
The study hopes to improve mood, hopefulness, quality of life, and be cost-effective.
It's being run by several NHS Trusts across the UK and funded by NIHR.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 65 years old. To be able to take part, you need to have a diagnosis of a type of psychosis that isn't connected to your mood (sometimes called non-affective psychosis).

A key part is that you should find it difficult to be involved in daily activities. This means you currently spend less than 30 hours per week doing things like work, education, or hobbies. You also need to have been experiencing these social difficulties for a while, generally for more than six months.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your psychosis is caused by a brain injury, or if you have a severe learning disability that would make it hard to engage with the therapy or assessments. You also shouldn't be involved in another similar research study at the same time, and you need to be able to understand and agree to take part.

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 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of psychosis that isn't connected to your mood?
Do you currently spend less than 30 hours per week in structured activities (like work or hobbies)?
Have you been receiving support from specialist mental health services?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in a study?
Are you not currently involved in another research study that involves a new treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first meet with a researcher who will explain everything and answer your questions. If you agree, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires at three different times during the study. This helps the researchers understand how you're feeling and how you're spending your time.

Participants will be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will continue to receive their usual care from their mental health services. The other group will receive Social Recovery Therapy in addition to their usual care. This therapy involves regular meetings with a therapist to help you identify and get involved in meaningful activities.

Even if you're in the group that only receives usual care, you'll still be asked to complete the questionnaires at the different time points. The full study period, including all follow-up assessments, is expected to run from July 2026 to December 2029.

Potential risks and benefits

If you take part, you'll have the chance to meet with a researcher to think about activities that are meaningful to you, and if you're in the therapy group, you'll have regular meetings with a therapist. Everyone who takes part will receive three £20 vouchers as a thank you. However, there's a possibility that trying new activities could feel like a lot of pressure, and for some people, this might make certain psychological difficulties return or get worse. It's important to remember that participating is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (5)

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Worthing, England
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Norwich, England
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Ashton-under-lyne, England

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, sometimes leading to thoughts or experiences not shared by others.

What is 'Social Recovery Therapy'?

It's a talking therapy designed to help people with psychosis get more involved in meaningful everyday activities like work, education, or hobbies.

Will I have to stop my current treatment?

No, if you're in the therapy group, you'll receive Social Recovery Therapy *in addition* to your usual care. The other group will continue with usual care only.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be asked to complete questionnaires at three different points. The study continues to monitor information from patient records for up to 24 months after the main part.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is being run across several NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK, including Norfolk and Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Sussex, Pennine Care, and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

How to find out more

Lauren Ooi

isrip.study@uea.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.