Action-based cognitive remediation for alcohol and cannabis misuse in early psychosis
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
This project will test whether action-based cognitive remediation helps young people with early psychosis cut down on alcohol and cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07056894 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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).
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.