Motivational Interviewing on acute psychosis wards to boost treatment adherence
Official title: Tracking the Linguistic Signatures of Motivational Interviewing in Acute Psychosis (Former: Motivational Interviewing for Patients With Acute Psychosis)
Run by Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich · NCT05911529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot test on acute psychosis patients checks whether Motivational Interviewing helps patients stick with their treatment and strengthens the patient–therapist connection.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05911529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with psychotic disorders admitted to an inpatient psychiatry unit who can understand German and consent to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without a therapeutic alliance response or those with complications that prevent continued participation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional pilot study tests Motivational Interviewing, with psychoeducation, for patients experiencing psychosis on acute inpatient wards. The goal is to strengthen the therapeutic alliance and improve adherence to antipsychotic treatment during the acute phase. The approach prioritizes brief, focused psychotherapy feasible in inpatient settings, alongside standard pharmacological care. Participants are adults with psychotic disorders admitted to the Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich who can understand German. Outcomes will inform whether this approach can be scaled in acute care to reduce chronicity and improve engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience stronger engagement with treatment and better adherence, potentially improving short-term outcomes in the acute phase.
How similar studies have gone: Prior psychotherapeutic approaches with CBT elements have shown benefit in psychosis, but this specific Motivational Interviewing approach in acute inpatient settings is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent as documented by signature * Male and female patients from inpatient units of the Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich * ICD-10 diagnosis of a mental disorder with psychotic symptoms, including schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (F20-F29), affective disorders with psychotic features (F30.2, F31.2, F31.5, F32.3, F33.3) and substance-induced psychotic disorders (F1x.5) * Fluent in German and able to understand the instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Organic schizophrenia-like disorder (ICD: F0.6) * Drug or alcohol abuse during treatment * Previous enrolment in the current study * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons * During study: Complete stop of taking antipsychotic medications
Where it's running
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Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philipp Homan, Prof. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Rahel Horisberger, Dr.phil.
- Email: rahel.horisberger@pukzh.ch
- Phone: +41 58 384 26 52
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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.