Psychological treatment for motivational negative symptoms in psychosis

Goals in Focus: CBT for Motivational Negative Symptoms of Psychosis - a Randomized-controlled Feasibility Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT05252039

This study is testing a new program called 'Goals in Focus' to see if it can help people with psychosis who struggle with motivation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamburg)
Trial IDNCT05252039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot feasibility trial evaluates the 'Goals in Focus' intervention, designed to address motivational negative symptoms in individuals with psychosis. The study involves a single-blind randomized-controlled design where participants will be assigned to either the intervention or a waitlist control group. It aims to assess the feasibility of the intervention and gather preliminary data on its effectiveness. Participants will undergo assessments at baseline and six months later to measure outcomes and the acceptance of the treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder who exhibit at least moderate motivational negative symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients at immediate risk to themselves or others, or those with co-morbid substance use disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve motivation and overall psychological wellbeing in patients with psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, other studies targeting motivational symptoms in psychosis have shown varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ICD-10 diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM V Clinical Version
* at least moderate motivational negative symptoms (i.e., scores ≥ 3 (moderate) in two items or ≥ 4 (moderately severe) in one item of the 'motivation and pleasure factor' of the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS)
* sufficient skills in German language to participate in psychological therapy
* capable to engage in weekly therapy sessions of 50-minutes
* prioritize the reduction of negative symptoms as their current goal for treatment
* capable to give informed consent to participate in the trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* being at immediate and serious risk to self or others
* co-morbid diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder
* intake of Benzodiazepines for \>2 days per week
* receiving any other psychological treatment aiming to reduce motivational negative symptoms

Where this trial is running

Hamburg

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 PsychosisSchizophreniaNegative Symptoms With Primary Psychotic DisorderAmotivationAvolitionAnhedoniaAsociality
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.