Brief therapy for paranoia in 16–18 year olds
Official title: Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility of TRUST, a Brief Intervention for Paranoia in Adolescents.
Run by Royal Holloway University · NCT07350954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will try a six-session, values-based and imagery talking therapy to see if it helps 16–18 year olds in CAMHS who have troubling paranoid thoughts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal Holloway University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07350954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 16–18 year olds seeking care from CAMHS who score ≥11 on the R-GPTS, can consent, speak English, have low-to-moderate risk levels, and want help for paranoia.
✕Probably not a fit
Those with high current safety risk (for example active suicidal intent), severe comorbid conditions (such as primary substance dependence), significant cognitive or developmental impairments, or already receiving another psychological therapy are unlikely to be eligible or 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
This feasibility and acceptability project offers a six-session, values-based and imagery intervention to adolescents (16–18) seeking help from CAMHS for paranoia. Eligible participants (R-GPTS Scale B ≥11, English-speaking, capacity to consent, low-to-moderate risk) will complete baseline, during-treatment and post-treatment measures including the R-GPTS. The trial will track recruitment, retention, session completion and participant feedback to determine whether the intervention can be delivered within a CAMHS setting. Preliminary clinical changes in paranoia severity will be reported, but the study is not powered to provide definitive efficacy conclusions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this short, developmentally tailored therapy could reduce paranoid thoughts and improve daily functioning for adolescents within CAMHS.
How similar studies have gone: Values-based and mental imagery techniques have shown promise for reducing paranoia in adults, but this brief, adolescent-focused combination is novel and not yet tested in youth.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 16-18 * Seeking help from a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) * A score ≥ 11 on the R-GPTS (Scale B) * Sufficient understanding of English * Capacity to consent, as assessed during the initial interview * Wanting support with paranoia * Low- moderate mental health risks (emotional difficulties that impact functioning, but no immediate risk to safety e.g., no suicidal intent). Exclusion Criteria: * Severe comorbid diagnoses apparent at the initial assessment (e.g., a primary alcohol or substance dependence issue measured using standardised assessments) * The presence of a developmental disability or cognitive impairment that would interfere with participation. * Concurrent participation in another psychological therapy * High levels of current risk (e.g., significant and immediate concerns about the young person's safety, such as suicidal intent).
Where it's running
-
Westminster's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica Kingston, DClinPsy PhD
- Email: jessica.kingston@rhul.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 1784 414105
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.