Treatment for self-stigma in young people with first episode psychosis
Development of a Stage-specific Adaptation of a Self-stigma Intervention for People Recovering from a First Episode of Psychosis
This study is testing a new program to help young people aged 15-24 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis feel better about themselves and engage more in their treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT04889911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to adapt and test a modified intervention called NECT-YA for youth aged 15-24 experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The intervention focuses on improving self-concept and illness perceptions to enhance treatment engagement. A small randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of NECT-YA combined with coordinated specialty care against coordinated specialty care alone, assessing various outcomes such as service engagement, self-esteem, and social functioning. Qualitative feedback from participants will also be collected to refine the intervention further.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 15-24 who have experienced psychotic symptoms within the last five years and exhibit moderate to elevated self-stigma.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria for first episode psychosis or have primary substance use or mood disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment engagement and overall outcomes for young individuals experiencing first episode psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting self-stigma in mental health have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Meets criteria for FEP youth based on the following definition: age 15-24, onset of psychotic symptoms within the last 5 years, and an absence of a primary substance use or mood disorder that could be causing the psychotic symptoms (confirmed by program eligibility); 2. Meets criteria for moderate (defined as a mean score of 1-1.5 on the 0-3 scale of the Internalized Stigma of Mental lllness Scale \[ISMI\]) or elevated (defined as a mean score of 1.5-3 on the 0-3 scale of the ISMI) self-stigma; 3. Speaks English well enough to complete assessments and participate in groups; 4. Is able to provide informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: Does not meet any of the above inclusion criteria.
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Eskenazi Health, PARC Program — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bethany Leonhardt, Psy.D.
- Email: blleonha@iupui.edu
- Phone: 317-880-8665
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.