Comparing Cognitive Enhancement Therapy and Social Skills Training for Serious Mental Illness
Comparative Effectiveness of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy vs. Social Skills Training in Serious Mental Illness
This study is testing whether Cognitive Enhancement Therapy or Social Skills Training is better for helping people with schizophrenia improve their everyday functioning and social skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 378 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Hartford, Connecticut and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04321759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two treatments, Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) and Social Skills Training (SST), for improving community functioning in individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders. It will assess the impact of these interventions on cognitive and social skills, using a cluster design where different mental health service centers are assigned to one of the two treatments. The study will also explore how baseline cognitive skills and age affect treatment outcomes. A pilot phase will evaluate the feasibility of delivering these therapies via telemental health compared to in-person sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorders and an estimated IQ above 70.
Not a fit: Patients with current organic brain syndrome, intellectual disabilities, or those who have participated in CET or SST in the past year may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved community functioning and quality of life for patients with serious mental illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for both CET and SST, indicating that this comparative approach is built on established evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. age 18 to 65; 2. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder (confirmed via the MINI diagnostic interview); 3. estimated IQ of \> 70 (established via WTAR). Exclusion Criteria: 1. the presence of a current organic brain syndrome; 2. intellectual disability (DSM-5); 3. participation in either CET or SST within the prior year.
Where this trial is running
Hartford, Connecticut and 4 other locations
- Hartford Hospital - Institute of Living — Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
- Maine Medical Center — Portland, Maine, United States (Recruiting)
- Massachusetts Mental Health Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- UMass Medical School — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matcheri S Keshavan, MD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Sabbagh
- Email: jsabbagh@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-975-8545
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.