Cognitive training and enhanced treatment for youth at high risk of psychosis in Tunisia
Cognitive Training vs. Treatment as Usual to Improve Functioning and Reduce Transition Rates in Tunisian CHR Youth: A Feasibility Study
This study is testing two different treatment approaches to see if they can help young people at high risk for psychosis improve their daily functioning over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 28 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tunis) |
| Trial ID | NCT06582901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve daily functioning in youth identified as clinically high risk for psychosis through two treatment approaches: a Cognitive Training (CT) program and an Enhanced Treatment as Usual (E-TAU) group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, with treatments lasting 12 weeks and involving both in-clinic and home sessions. The CT program includes engaging cognitive exercises designed to enhance thinking skills, while E-TAU provides standard care with additional group activities. Assessments of clinical symptoms and cognitive functioning will be conducted at baseline, mid-point, and conclusion of the treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth who meet the criteria for Clinical High Risk for Psychosis and have sufficient fluency in Arabic, French, or English.
Not a fit: Patients with known neurological disorders or significant substance use issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive functioning and daily life skills for youth at high risk of developing psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive training approaches for at-risk populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets Comprehensive Assessment for At Risk Mental States (CAARMS) criteria for Clinical High Risk * If under the age of 18, the subject has a parent or guardian who can sign consent forms * Premorbid Intelligence Quotient not less than 70 * Sufficient fluency in Arabic, French, or English to avoid invalidating research measures * Residence likely within commuting distance of Razi University Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of known neurological disorder, e.g. epilepsy or significant head injury that could account for the CHR symptoms * Evidence of significant and habitual alcohol or substance use in the 6 months prior to study entry * Evidence that the clinical high-risk symptoms were substance-induced
Where this trial is running
Tunis
- Razi University Hospital — Tunis, Tunisia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph Ventura, Ph.D. — UCLA Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences
- Study coordinator: Joseph Ventura, Ph.D.
- Email: jventura@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-245-2811
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.