Combining Executive Function Training with Cognitive Behavioral Skills Training for Schizophrenia

Optimizing Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training with Executive Function Training for Older Adults with Schizophrenia

This study is testing a new program that combines brain training and social skills training to see if it can help older adults with schizophrenia improve their daily functioning.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of California, San Diego (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (La Jolla, California and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06251193 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research tests a blended intervention called E-CBSST, which combines Executive Function Training with Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training for older adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The study aims to determine the feasibility of E-CBSST and its effectiveness in enhancing skills learning that could lead to meaningful improvements in functioning. Participants aged 60 and older will undergo a 20-week program that includes a 2-week Executive Function Training course followed by two cycles of CBSST sessions. The intervention is designed to help prevent cognitive and functional decline in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 and older with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are clinically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive disorders, neurological conditions, or those currently experiencing major depressive episodes or substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the cognitive and functional abilities of older adults with schizophrenia, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training, but the combination with Executive Function Training is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Voluntary informed consent to participate;
2. Age 60 years or older;
3. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on the SCID;
4. Be clinically stable as operationalized by (1) not having been admitted to a psychiatric hospital within the three months prior to assessment, (2) having had no change in antipsychotic medication dosage within four weeks prior to the baseline assessment, and (3) and ascertained to be clinically and medically stable by one the study investigators;
5. Be willing and able to speak English;
6. Be able to read and converse (with corrected vision or hearing if needed).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Meets criteria for a cognitive disorder or for a neurological or other medical disorder affecting the ability to participate in Executive Function Training or CBSST;
2. Meets diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, current major depressive episode, or substance abuse or dependence within the six months prior to the baseline assessment except for caffeine or nicotine;
3. Received electroconvulsive therapy within six months of the baseline assessment.

Where this trial is running

La Jolla, California and 1 other locations

• UC San Diego — La Jolla, California, United States (Recruiting)
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Eric Granholm, PhD — University of California, San Diego
• Study coordinator: Jason Holden, PhD

Conditions Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective Disorder