Digital (Bolster) support for caregivers of young people with early psychosis in North Carolina

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study will deliver the Bolster mHealth app to caregivers through a statewide network of early psychosis programs (EPI‑NC) and develop North Carolina–specific outreach materials. Recruitment will occur remotely via program outreach and enrolled caregivers will complete baseline and post-test measures. Bolster provides self-guided psychoeducation and communication coaching tailored for early psychosis caregivers. The team will analyze within-subject changes in caregiver psychological distress and family communication to inform statewide implementation strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* North Carolina resident
* Caregiver to a young adult with early psychosis, wherein early psychosis is defined as: (1) Being between the ages of 15 and 30, and (2) Within the past five years, the young adult first experienced hallmark symptoms: (2A) Presence of psychotic symptoms represented by one or more of hallucinations, delusions, marked thought disorder, psychomotor disorder or bizarre behavior, as well as (2B) Definite change of personality or behavior manifesting as two or more of the following: serious deterioration of function, marked social withdrawal, persistent self-neglect, episodic marked anxiety.
* A positive screen according to the Caregiver Prime Screen - Revised (endorsed two or more responses of five or six ("somewhat"/"definitely" agree)
* Own an Apple iPhone
* Have access to the internet (e.g., via WiFi or data plan)
* Self-identify as a caregiver of the affected person
* Are proficient in English to the degree necessary to complete study assessments and engage meaningfully in the intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant failed to demonstrate understanding of study details in comprehension screening process.
* Previous enrollment in a study involving Bolster.
* Activity on screening questionnaires that indicates suspicious or dishonest participation such that the participant is likely to be a "malicious actor" or "gamer" (i.e. an individual that attempts to enroll in online research studies solely for compensation with dishonest or illegitimate responses to study questionnaires)

Where it's running

• UNC Department of Psychiatry
  Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ben Buck, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
• Email: SOM_BolsterNC.smb@ad.unc.edu
• Phone: 8284050588

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Understanding cancer-related stress in patients and their caregivers

  This study looks at how cancer affects both patients and their caregivers, especially in terms of stress and emotional challenges, to better understand their experiences and needs for support.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Lille University · Lille, Nord and 1 other locations · NCT06944262

• Friends and family training for those at risk of suicide

  A six-week program tests whether training for caregivers can help them support a loved one at risk of suicide while also taking care of their own mental health.

  Recruiting Unity Health Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07902089

• Digital activity platform to support caregivers in long-term care

  We’re testing a digital engagement platform to help formal and informal caregivers better support older adults in long-term care facilities.

  Recruiting at 6 sites University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria · Bad Hall, Upper Austria and 5 other locations · NCT07780071

• Well-being program for caregivers of patients with advanced heart or lung disease

  This study tests an 8-week, home-based wellness program delivered virtually to caregivers of people with advanced cardiac or pulmonary disease to see if it’s feasible and acceptable.

  Recruiting University Health Network, Toronto · Toronto, Ontario · NCT07685912

• Financial counseling and advocacy for dementia family caregivers in early and middle adulthood

  A four-week financial counseling and advocacy program is being tested to see if it is usable, feasible, and acceptable for dementia family caregivers who are in early- to middle-adulthood.

  Recruiting University of Utah · Salt Lake City, Utah · NCT07681401

• Personalized binaural and spatial music to help with dementia-related symptoms

  This study tests whether personalized binaural beat music, spatialized music, or both can help reduce behavioral and mood symptoms in older adults with dementia or age-related changes living in assisted living facilities.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Maharishi International University · Denver, Colorado and 1 other locations · NCT07626944

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.