Brief therapy for paranoia in 16–18 year olds
Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility of TRUST, a Brief Intervention for Paranoia in Adolescents.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Royal Holloway University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT07350954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
London
- 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
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.