EPI-MINN: Targeting Cognition and Motivation - National

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · May 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EPI-MINN clinical trial is studying how a 12-week mobile program can help improve thinking skills and motivation for people experiencing early psychosis, which includes conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Researchers want to see if this mobile intervention can make a difference compared to standard care offered in community settings. Participants will receive treatment from specialized clinics that provide comprehensive support, such as therapy and medication management, and they can take part in the study from home using their own devices.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be between 18 and 40 years old and currently receiving care for early psychosis. They should be in generally good health, able to communicate in English, and have access to a smartphone or computer for the study activities. Participants will first complete a screening interview to assess their condition, and then they will be randomly assigned to either the mobile program or standard treatment. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor their progress and check in with them at 6 and 12 months after the program ends. This study is a great opportunity for those looking to improve their cognitive abilities and motivation in a supportive environment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 15-40 (inclusive)
• • Is enrolled in an early psychosis coordinated specialty care clinic, or is receiving services by a mental health care professional.
• • Symptoms of psychosis started within the last 5 years
• • Is in good general physical health (e.g., not acutely ill or experiencing a sever/chronic illness that would impede their ability to complete study activities)
• • Fluent in spoken and written English
• • Estimated IQ at or above 70, as estimated by the Test My Brain matrices task
• • Participants will show overall clinical stability as determined by interview measures. Generally, participants who have not been hospitalized within the last 30 days, who have not had significant changes to medications, and do not have active suicidal ideation will be considered stable.
• • Has access to a smart phone or other mobile device to use the PRIME App
• • Has access to a computer or tablet to complete cognitive training exercises and study assessments
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to provide informed consent (i.e., cannot pass UBACC assessment)
• • Participant is under legal commitment to treatment or is under medical guardianship
• • Participated in significant cognitive training programs within the last 3 years
• • Diagnosed with a neurological disorder that may interfere with participation in the study
• • Clinically significant substance abuse that is impeding the participant's ability to participate fully during enrollment, assessment, or training (i.e., is unable to remain sober)
• • Risk of suicidal behavior