Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Personalized Psychological Treatment for Psychosis

This study is looking at a new type of talking therapy called Personalized Metacognitive Training, or P-MCT, for people who experience psychosis and have had delusions. Psychosis is a mental health condition where someone might experience things like seeing or hearing things that aren't there, or having strong beliefs that aren't based in reality (delusions). P-MCT aims to tailor the therapy to each person's individual needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. We want to find out if this personalized therapy is more helpful than the standard Metacognitive Training (MCT) for improving how people manage their condition. The study will compare these two approaches to see which one helps people the most.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Polish Academy of Sciences

Enrolment target

252

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Schizophrenia Psychosis Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is about making talking therapies for psychosis more personal and effective. Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where people can sometimes struggle to tell what's real and what's not, experiencing things like delusions (strong, false beliefs). Metacognitive Training (MCT) is a type of talking therapy that helps people understand and change their thinking patterns, especially those that might contribute to their symptoms.

Currently, MCT is often given in a standard way, like a general course for everyone. But people are different, and their challenges with psychosis can be unique. This study is testing a new idea called Personalized Metacognitive Training (P-MCT). The aim is to use a special computer program that helps understand each person's specific needs, and then tailor the therapy, including homework tasks, to those individual areas. For example, if someone particularly struggles with self-esteem, their P-MCT would include more focus on that area.

The main goal of this research is to see if P-MCT, which is specially designed for you, works better than the standard MCT. The study will carefully compare both types of therapy to understand if a personalized approach leads to bigger improvements in how people manage their psychosis and ultimately feel better. This could lead to more effective treatments for people experiencing psychosis in the future.

Key takeaways

The study is testing a new, personalised talking therapy for psychosis.
It aims to make therapy more effective by tailoring it to individual needs.
Participants will receive 10 sessions of either standard or personalised therapy.
The study looks at how people with psychosis and delusions might benefit.
Assessments will be done at the start, end, and six months later.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, participants generally need to be adults aged between 18 and 65 years old. You would need to have been diagnosed with a type of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, and have experienced symptoms like delusions or suspiciousness in the past year. It's also important that your current medication is stable and not expected to change during the study and that you don't have severe memory or thinking problems.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already had this specific type of therapy (MCT) in the last year, or if you have certain neurological conditions, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if there are concerns about aggressive behaviour or if you're at high risk of harming yourself, the study wouldn't be suitable for you. These checks are in place to make sure the study is as safe and effective as possible for everyone involved.

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?
Have you been diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia?
Have you experienced delusions or suspiciousness in the last year?
Is your current medication for your condition stable?
Have you NOT received Metacognitive Training (MCT) in the last year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to receive either the standard Metacognitive Training (MCT) or the Personalized Metacognitive Training (P-MCT). Both treatments involve 10 weekly sessions, with each session lasting about an hour. These sessions can take place in person or online, depending on what's available and suitable. Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete assessments at the beginning, right after your treatment ends, and then again six months later. This helps the researchers understand how the treatment has affected you over time. You will continue with your usual medication during the study, provided it's stable and not expected to change.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you understand and manage your symptoms of psychosis better, as you will be receiving an active therapy. You might specifically benefit from the personalized approach if assigned to that group. However, as with any study, there's always a possibility that the treatment might not work for everyone, or that you might experience some discomfort during sessions. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

Universidad de Valparaíso
Verified postcode
Valparaíso, Chile
University Hospitals of Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Verified postcode
Hamburg, Germany
The Institute of Psychology, The Polish Academy of Sciences
Verified postcode
Warsaw, Poland
Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
Verified postcode
Barcelona, Spain
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Verified postcode
Barcelona, Spain

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition where someone might have difficulties telling what is real, experiencing things like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (strong, false beliefs).

What is Metacognitive Training (MCT)?

MCT is a type of talking therapy designed to help people with psychosis understand and change certain thinking patterns that can contribute to their symptoms.

What's the difference between standard MCT and Personalized MCT?

Standard MCT follows a general programme, while Personalized MCT (P-MCT) uses a special tool to tailor the therapy and homework tasks to your unique needs and challenges.

How long will the study take?

The active treatment phase involves 10 weekly sessions. You'll also have follow-up assessments at the beginning, after treatment, and six months later.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

No, you will continue with your usual medication during the study, as long as it's stable and not expected to change.

How to find out more

Łukasz Gawęda, Professor

l.gaweda@psych.pan.pl +48225831386 Official trial record

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