Mindfulness group experiences for young people at high risk for or early in psychosis

Experience of UHR and PEP Individuals During Mindfulness: a Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Not applicable Interventional Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy · NCT07499934

This project tries to understand how group mindfulness sessions feel for French-speaking young people aged 15–30 who are at ultra‑high risk for psychosis or have had a first episode.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Psychothérapique de Nancy Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Laxou and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07499934 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, researchers will interview 15–30-year-olds who met CAARMS criteria for ultra‑high risk (UHR) or first-episode psychosis (FEP) and who participated in group-based mindfulness interventions. Interviews will focus on participants' lived experiences, perceived benefits, and any adverse effects linked to the mindfulness groups. Recruitment occurs at two French psychiatric centers, and participants must be able to give informed consent and speak French. Transcripts will be thematically analyzed to identify common patterns that could inform safer and more acceptable mindfulness offerings for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are French-speaking individuals aged 15–30 who meet CAARMS criteria for UHR or first-episode psychosis with significant social functional impact (SOFAS <50 or >30% decline) and who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: People with a prior episode of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, those with prolonged antipsychotic exposure, significant intellectual disability or organic mental disorders, non‑French speakers, or individuals unable to consent (including minors without parental authorization) are unlikely to benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians design safer, more acceptable mindfulness programs that better support young people at high risk for psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies indicate mindfulness can be feasible and helpful for some individuals on the psychosis spectrum, but qualitative exploration specifically in UHR/FEP groups is limited and adverse effects have been underreported.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People aged between 15 and 30 years who meet the criteria for UHR or PEP status on the CAARMS scale and have a social functional impact (SOFAS score less than 50 or a decrease of more than 30% in the score)

Exclusion Criteria:

* \- Previous episode of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder
* Previous antipsychotic treatment for more than 12 months
* Organic mental disorder or intellectual disability
* Serious suicide/homicidal risk (but admissible if this risk has been resolved)
* Insufficient French language skills
* Adult unable to give consent and not under legal guardianship
* Protective measure (guardianship/conservatorship/judicial protection) or under judicial supervision
* Person deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision (including actual involuntary hospitalization)
* Persons in a life-threatening emergency
* Not affiliated with a social security scheme
* Minors without parental authorization
* Person who refused the audio recording of the interview

Where this trial is running

Laxou and 1 other locations

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 Clinical High Risk for PsychosisPsychosismindfulness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.