Therapy for dissociation and related feelings
Treating 'Felt Sense of Anomaly'-Type Dissociative Experiences by Targeting Hypothesised Psychological Maintenance Mechanisms: A Single Case Experimental Design Series
This study is testing a new type of therapy to help adults with dissociation feel more connected and less unreal by using a special form of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT06054009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project involves three studies aimed at understanding and treating dissociation, a condition characterized by feelings of unreality and disconnection. Each study will include four participants who are adults on a waiting list for NHS psychological therapy and have high scores on a dissociation questionnaire. Participants will undergo assessments before and after treatment, as well as at a one-month follow-up, using a multiple baseline design to evaluate the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to their experiences. The goal is to develop psychological treatments based on a scientific understanding of dissociation's underlying factors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 16 to 80 who are experiencing significant levels of dissociation and are seeking help to improve their symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with personality disorders, substance dependency, or those with higher clinical priority issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide effective psychological treatments for individuals suffering from dissociation, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting dissociation with CBT, the approach of using psychological interventions based on scientific understanding is promising and may build on existing knowledge in related areas.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged between 16 years to 80 years;
* Outpatient of UK mental health services (at the time of referral to the study);
* Experiencing significant levels of 'felt sense of anomaly'-type dissociation (defined as a score within the 'moderately severe' or 'severe' range on the ČEFSA-14 (i.e., 39 or above); Černis et al., in prep.);
* Want help to improve their dissociative experiences;
* Willing and able to give consent for participation in the study;
* Available to undertake the baseline assessment in the indicated week;
* Available to undertake the therapy sessions within the indicated therapy 'window'.
Exclusion Criteria:
The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:
* Diagnosis of an Axis II ("personality") disorder;
* Primary diagnosis of alcohol/substance dependency, organic syndrome, or learning disability;
* Presence of risk issues that would be a clinical priority above managing dissociative symptoms (e.g., moderate to severe self-harm; active suicidal behaviour; etc.);
* Current engagement in any other individual psychological therapy (or psychological therapy due to begin within the participation window for this study).
* A participant may also not enter the study if there is another factor (i.e., with higher clinical priority), which, in the judgement of the investigator, would preclude the participant from providing informed consent or from safely engaging with the study procedures.
Where this trial is running
Birmingham
- Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust — Birmingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emma Cernis, DPhil — University of Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Emma Cernis, DPhil
- Email: e.cernis@bham.ac.uk
- Phone: 01214147221
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.