PITp Feasibility RCT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility randomised controlled trial of Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy plus treatment as usual versus treatment as usual alone for people with psychosis: a single-site, parallel-group design; with a nested qualitative acceptability study
IRAS ID
367604
Contact name
Liz Murphy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
GMMH NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN52338801
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why?
Many people who experience psychosis, such as hearing voices or holding unusual beliefs, experience emotional distress and difficulties in relationships despite receiving standard NHS care. Although psychological therapies are recommended, some people find existing approaches not well suited to their needs. This study aims to find out whether a different talking therapy can be delivered within the NHS and whether a larger study would be possible and worthwhile. As a feasibility study, it focuses on practical questions such as whether people are willing to take part, attend therapy sessions and complete assessments.What?
The study examines a psychological therapy called Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT): a time-limited talking therapy that helps people explore emotions, relationships, and the meaning of symptomatic experiences. PIT is used in NHS services for other complex mental health difficulties but has not yet been tested in a randomised trial with people experiencing psychosis. PITp refers to an adapted version of PIT that we refined for psychosis following a previous study.Who and where?
Adults receiving NHS care for psychosis who are able to give informed consent will be eligible to take part. The study will be conducted at a single NHS mental health trust.How?
We aim to involve 40 participants in this feasibility randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated either to receive PITp alongside their usual NHS care or to continue with usual care alone. Those allocated to PITp will be offered a maximum of 24 weekly therapy sessions over six months. The All participants will complete questionnaires at the start of the study and at six months. All participants who are allocated to receive PITp will be invited to take part in an optional interview about their experiences. The study will run for approximately two years and is funded as part of an NIHR doctoral fellowship.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0077
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion