Transdiagnostic intervention for Negative Symptoms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the effect of a novel psychological intervention for negative symptoms based on transdiagnostic mechanisms of change.
IRAS ID
340016
Contact name
Hamish McLeod
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Psychological therapy options for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are currently of limited effectiveness. This means that many people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have ongoing difficulties with motivation, emotional expression, and social functioning. Existing psychological treatment packages include elements that may be redundant or ineffective for these patients. Taking a targeted approach that focuses on specific maintenance processes and mechanisms may be both more effective and more efficient than the “one size fits all” approach that is commonly applied. Providing a tailored treatment package that matches intervention modules to the specific maintenance processes relevant to each person has the potential to produce better therapeutic results more efficiently. Because there currently no flexible and mechanistically targeted intervention for negative symptoms we aim to test out a new flexible treatment package using a single case experimental design approach.
The main outcome for this study will be change in negative symptoms as measured by clinician administered interview. Secondary outcomes will include data on treatment acceptability, self-reported changes in self confidence, and wearable sensor-based measures of activity levels.
We aim to recruit people experiencing problematic negative symptoms from in-patient mental health rehabilitation wards across Glasgow. Eligible patients will be provided with the information needed to make an informed decision about participating.
Those who consent will receive an intervention package tailored to their needs that will last for a planned maximum period of 24 weeks. Participant data will be obtained from questionnaires, interviews, wearable sensors that measure activity levels. The data will be analysed to determine if the intervention is acceptable and to explore signs of effectiveness.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0084
Date of REC Opinion
7 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion