Skills for Wellness
The 'Skills for Wellness' study is looking for young people aged 9 to 21 who might be at a higher risk of developing conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. These illnesses often start in younger years and can have a big impact on life. This study is testing a new type of talking therapy called 'maCBT'. The main goal is to see if this therapy can help prevent severe mental illness from developing by addressing early warning signs. These early signs could include things like feeling very anxious, having unusual hearing or seeing experiences, losing skills they once had, or having big, sudden mood swings. Researchers want to see if this therapy is helpful and if young people find it acceptable, aiming for a healthy and fulfilling adulthood.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, can be really challenging and often begin when people are quite young. While there are treatments available for these conditions, they don't always offer a complete cure. This is why it's so important to explore ways to prevent these serious illnesses from developing in the first place, especially in young people.
This study, called 'Skills for Wellness,' is piloting a new approach. It focuses on young people who show early signs that suggest they might be at a higher risk of developing a severe mental illness later on. These early signs, which researchers call 'antecedents,' are like red flags. They can include feeling very anxious, hearing or seeing things that others don't, struggling with skills they used to find easy, or experiencing sudden and strong changes in their mood. These signs can be upsetting and make daily life difficult, but importantly, they often appear years before a severe mental illness might fully develop.
The research aims to see if a new type of therapy, called 'maCBT,' can help young people learn skills to manage these early indicators. By stepping in early enough, the hope is to prevent severe mental illness from taking hold, allowing young people to have happier, healthier, and more productive lives as they grow up. The study will look at whether this new therapy is something young people are happy to try and if it helps in the short term, specifically looking at how it affects these early warning signs.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to prevent severe mental illness in young people.
- It tests a new talking therapy (maCBT) for early warning signs.
- Focuses on young people aged 9-21 in the FORBOW programme.
- Early signs include anxiety, unusual experiences, or mood changes.
- You won't be given new medications; it's about learning coping skills.
- You can leave the study at any time, no questions asked.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be a young person aged between 9 and 21 years old. You must also be part of a research programme called FORBOW (Families Overcoming Risks and Building Opportunities for Well-Being). A key part of joining is that you show some of the specific early signs that the researchers are interested in, such as unusual experiences like hearing or seeing things that aren't there, basic symptoms (which are subtle changes in how you think or feel), anxious feelings, or very changeable moods. Your parents or guardians will also need to be involved if you are under 16.
However, there are reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have already been diagnosed with a severe mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, this study wouldn't be right for you. It's also not suitable if you've had a lot of other structured talking therapy (more than 3 sessions) in the last year, as this could affect the results of the study. Finally, you need to be able to understand English well enough to fully take part in the therapy sessions.
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 9 and 21 years old?
- Are you already part of the FORBOW research programme?
- Do you experience things like unusual hearing/seeing, a lot of anxiety, or frequent mood swings?
- Have you had fewer than 4 sessions of structured talking therapy in the last 12 months?
- Do you feel you understand English well enough to take part in therapy sessions?
- Have you NOT been diagnosed with a severe mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder?
What does participation involve?
If you join the 'Skills for Wellness' study, you'll be part of a group of young people. Some of you will be offered the new 'maCBT' therapy straight away, while others will be in a comparison group and won't receive the specific therapy during the study, but you can still access any usual care. Everyone in the study will continue to be part of the FORBOW group, which means researchers will regularly check in with you and measure various things over time. This helps them understand how everyone is doing.
The therapy itself involves learning new coping and self-management skills in sessions structured by the maCBT programme. These sessions are designed to help you with the early warning signs mentioned earlier, like anxiety or unusual experiences. The total time you'd be involved in the study and therapy would depend on the therapy schedule and follow-up assessments, but it's focused on short-term results initially. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study, as it's testing a talking therapy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Nova Scotia Health AuthorityVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Enrolling by invitation
- Nova Scotia Health AuthorityVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'maCBT'?
maCBT is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand and change your thoughts and behaviours to better manage difficult feelings and experiences.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study is testing a talking therapy, not a medication. You will not be asked to take any new medicines as part of this research.
What if I don't want to continue the study?
You are completely free to leave the study at any time, without having to give a reason. This won't affect any care you would normally receive.
How long will I be involved in the study?
The study is looking at short-term benefits, focusing on the therapy period and initial follow-up. The exact duration will be explained by the study team.
Is this study only for people with mental illness?
No, this study is specifically for young people who are at *risk* of developing severe mental illness, not for those already diagnosed with it. It focuses on early warning signs.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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