Skills Group for Youth At Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · May 27, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new group therapy program designed for teenagers and young adults who are at high risk of developing psychosis, which is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The program combines two types of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions and improve relationships. Up to 30 participants aged 13-18 who are currently receiving support from the HOPE team at the University of Pittsburgh can join this weekly skills group.

To be eligible, participants must be between 13 and 18 years old and show signs that they may be at risk for psychosis, such as having certain test scores or a family history of psychotic disorders. Those currently experiencing a psychotic disorder are not eligible. Participants can expect to attend group sessions for about six to seven months, with their progress and feedback collected at various points to see how well the program is working. This trial aims to learn more about how effective and helpful this integrated therapy approach can be for young individuals at risk of psychosis.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Participant Inclusion Criteria:
• • 13-18 years of age
• • Meet criteria for clinical high-risk syndrome (i.e., at clinical high risk for developing a psychotic disorder). CHR status is determined based off of scoring a 3 (moderate) - 5 (severe) on the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes and/or having a first degree relative with psychotic disorder and/or the individual meets criteria for schizotypal personality disorder. Additionally individuals with a brief intermittent psychotic symptoms can be included as well (e.g., frankly psychotic symptoms that are very brief)
• • Individuals must be enrolled in the HOPE team at the University of Pittsburgh since this group is embedded within that service
• Participation Exclusion Criteria:
• • Group member meeting criteria for a current/past psychotic disorder
• Inclusion Criteria for Parents or Legal Guardians:
• • Must be the parent, legal guardian of a 13-18 year-old
• • For parents of CHR adolescents, their adolescent must meet criteria for a psychosis-risk syndrome