Adaptation of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy for Persons at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of a modification of CET (Cognitive Enhancement Therapy) to address symptomatic and functional difficulties associated with Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR). Cognition for Learning and for Understanding Everyday Social Situations (CLUES) is designed to improve cognitive functioning (e.g., memory, attention, planning, etc.) in order to improve school, work, and social functioning. CLUES includes the following: 1. Computerized cognitive remediation ("exercises") to improve cognition. 2. Social-cognitive skills group designed to teach participants to act wisely in social situations. 3. Individual coaching sessions designed to enhance translation of skills learned from computer exercises and the group into real life. CLUES is based on Hogarty and Greenwald's Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET), which was designed for treating individuals with schizophrenia. Research on CET for individuals with schizophrenia has found that CET appears to have helped participants improve cognition and social and work functioning. This study will investigate the feasibility of CLUES for young people who are showing signs of clinical risk for psychosis. Part 1: Preliminary open label trial of CLUES (n=8) to examine preliminary evidence of target engagement (change in cognition and social cognition), to refine assessment and recruitment approaches, to further optimize the treatment manual, and to ascertain feasibility and tolerability. Part 2: Preliminary randomized controlled trial of CLUES vs supportive therapy (ST) + computer games to explore preliminary evidence of efficacy of CLUES vs. the control treatment (n=30).

Primary Outcome

Assessed through clinical interview

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL CLUES
• BEHAVIORAL therapy and computer games