Action-based cognitive remediation for alcohol and cannabis misuse in early psychosis
Official title: Evaluating a Brief Virtual Cognitive Remediation Therapy Intervention for Those With Early Phase Psychosis and Substance Misuse in NS/NL: Addressing Challenges in Underserviced Areas
Run by Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT07056894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether action-based cognitive remediation helps young people with early psychosis cut down on alcohol and cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07056894 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 16–30-year-olds enrolled in provincial early psychosis programs with a primary psychotic disorder of less than five years' duration and problematic alcohol and/or cannabis use (AUDIT or CUDIT-R score ≥8).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current stimulant use disorder, those without problematic alcohol or cannabis use, or those with long-standing psychotic illness are less likely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers are recruiting 16–30-year-olds from early intervention programs in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to compare action-based cognitive remediation (ABCR) with treatment as usual (TAU) for substance misuse in early phase psychosis. Participation is by choice: those who choose ABCR join 16 twice-weekly virtual group therapy sessions over two months, while TAU participants receive one brief psychoeducation session about substance use. The study will collect demographic, clinical, substance use, and neuropsychological measures at baseline, after the two-month therapy period, and three months post-therapy. Outcomes will focus on changes in alcohol and cannabis use and cognitive functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ABCR could reduce alcohol and cannabis misuse, improve cognition, and support better recovery in young people with early psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Cognitive remediation has improved thinking skills in psychosis in prior studies, but using action-based cognitive remediation specifically to reduce substance misuse in early psychosis is relatively novel with limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * This study will enroll individuals 16-30 years of age from the Early Intervention Services for Psychosis programs in Nova Scotia and the Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program in Newfoundland * Diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum disorder) * Less than 5 years of psychotic illness * Has problematic alcohol and/or cannabis use (score of 8 or higher on the World Health Organization Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (WHO-AUDIT) or Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R)). Exclusion Criteria: * Current stimulant use disorder
Where it's running
-
Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Recruiting -
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philip G Tibbo, MD — Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Study coordinator: Rachel Church, MSc. OT
- Email: rachel.church@nshealth.ca
- Phone: 902-473-7474
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.