Examining the effects of combined therapy for schizophrenia
Official title: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Compared to Cognitive Remediation for Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders
Run by University of Toronto · NCT05731414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether combining two therapies, one for managing thoughts and another for improving cognitive skills, can help people with schizophrenia do better in their daily lives compared to using just one of the therapies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Scarborough Village, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05731414 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who can communicate in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities or those who have received CBT or CR in the past six months 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 combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) and Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CR) for individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. It aims to identify predictors of treatment response to determine whether patients benefit more from the combined intervention or from either therapy alone. The study will be one of the largest of its kind, focusing on improving functional recovery and community functioning, which are often inadequately addressed by current treatments. By evaluating both the combined intervention and individual responses, the trial seeks to provide insights into optimizing treatment strategies for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been numerous studies on monotherapy for schizophrenia, this approach of combining CBT and CR is novel and has not been previously tested in a randomized controlled trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-65 years * Diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders * Can read, write, and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Neurodevelopmental disability or neurocognitive disorder * CBT or CR in the past 6 months
Where it's running
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University of Toronto Scarborough
Scarborough Village, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores)
Whitby, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael W Best, PhD, C.Psych — University of Toronto Scarborough
- Study coordinator: Hanna Hamzai, HBSc
- Email: hanna.hamzai@mail.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 6476896098
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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.