Cognitive training for improving mental health in forensic patients
Cognitive Remediation in Forensic Mental Health Care
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04610697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are forensic inpatients aged 18 to 55 who can read and speak fluent English.
Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities or severe neurological sequelae from traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- 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
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.