Improving social functioning and reducing psychosis risk through cognitive training

Targeting Processing Speed Deficits to Improve Social Functioning and Lower Psychosis Risk in Adolescents at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

Not applicable Interventional Northwell Health · NCT05131035

This study is testing a 10-week program to see if cognitive training can help teenagers at risk for psychosis improve their thinking skills and social interactions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Glen Oaks, New York)
Trial IDNCT05131035 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on enhancing processing speed in adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis through a program called SCORES (Specific Cognitive Remediation with Support). Over 10 weeks, participants engage in cognitive training exercises and receive group support to improve their cognitive abilities and social skills. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing symptoms associated with psychosis and improving overall social functioning. The intervention includes performance-based rewards and game-like tasks to boost motivation and engagement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents who meet Clinical High Risk criteria for psychosis and exhibit specific cognitive deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with a diagnosed schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve social functioning and reduce the risk of developing psychosis in at-risk adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive remediation approaches to improve outcomes in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Meet Clinical High Risk (CHR) criteria on the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes, defined by the presence of at least one attenuated positive symptom at a moderate to severe level
* A score representing 0.5 SD below the mean on Animal Naming, Trails A or BACS: Symbol Coding from the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any DSM 5 Schizophrenia-Spectrum diagnosis
* Non-English speaking
* Past or current history of a clinically significant central nervous system disorder (e.g., seizure disorder)
* Estimated IQ\<70
* Significant head injury
* Significant substance abuse
* Significant visual or auditory impairment.

Where this trial is running

Glen Oaks, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PsychosisProdromal SchizophreniaProdromal SymptomsClinical High RiskProcessing SpeedSocial FunctioningSocial ImpairmentSocial Skills
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.