Cognitive training for improving mental health in forensic patients
Official title: Cognitive Remediation in Forensic Mental Health Care
Run by The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre · NCT04610697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special brain training program can help improve thinking skills and mental health for people in a secure facility.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 10, 2020 |
| Main results expected | February 10, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04610697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are forensic inpatients aged 18 to 55 who can read and speak fluent English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intellectual disabilities or severe neurological sequelae from traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of cognitive remediation, a method that combines cognitive exercises with coaching, to enhance executive functions in forensic inpatients. The study will involve 30 participants receiving 12 hours of computerized cognitive remediation over six weeks, compared to an active control group. It aims to assess improvements in cognitive, functional, and clinical outcomes, including oppositional behavior and mental health symptoms. Additionally, the trial will evaluate the persistence of these effects 12 weeks after the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive and functional outcomes for forensic patients, aiding their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cognitive remediation can lead to improvements in various mental health conditions, suggesting potential success in this novel application for forensic populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: i1. Age 18 - 55; i2. Ability to read and speak in fluent English; i3. Current status as inpatient on the Forensic Treatment Unit. Exclusion Criteria: e1. Intellectual disability; e2. TBI with loss of consciousness followed by known severe neurological sequelae requiring hospitalisation and rehabilitation.
Where it's running
-
The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrizia Pezzoli, PhD — UCL and The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
- Study coordinator: Patrizia Pezzoli, PhD
- Email: p.pezzoli@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: 613-722-6521
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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.