iTEST: Introspective Accuracy as a Novel Target for Functioning in Psychotic Disorders

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · Jun 2, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The iTEST trial is studying a new way to help people with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, improve their ability to understand their own abilities and performance. This ability, called introspective accuracy, is important because many people with these conditions struggle with daily activities due to misunderstandings about their own skills. The iTEST intervention uses mobile devices to train participants to better assess their abilities, which may lead to improved functioning in their everyday lives.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 18 and 65 years old, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and have a basic reading level to understand instructions on a device. Participants will need support from a family member or clinician who can help monitor their progress. The trial is currently recruiting, and participants can expect to engage with a mobile device to learn and improve their introspective skills. It's important to note that those with severe disorganization in their symptoms or recent substance dependence are not eligible for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Voluntary informed consent to participate and capacity to consent as measured by the UCSD Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC)
• • 2. Age 18 to 65;
• • 3. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on a structured diagnostic interview and available medical record review;
• • 4. ≥ 6th grade reading level on the Wide Range Achievement Test-4 Reading subtest (needed to read instructions on device);
• • 5. Stable co-treatments (no hospitalizations or medication class changes in 2 months before enrollment). The investigators will determine symptom and medication stability by best-estimate history with information from medical records;
• • 6. Availability of a clinician (staff member, case manager, other mental health clinician) or close associate (family member, friend) with at least monthly contact who can be their informant
• • 7. Minimum level of functional impairment based on milestones, excluding participants who are full-time employed and financially responsible for their household.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Greater than moderate disorganization on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (P2-Disorganization item \>5)
• • 2. DSM-5 alcohol or substance dependence in past 3 months based on interview
• • 3. Level of care required interferes with outpatient therapy (e.g., hospitalized; severe medical illness); 4) Unable to adequately see or manually manipulate a smartphone.