Evaluating Isradipine for Cognitive Enhancement in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective DisorderThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of the drug isradipine for cognitive enhancement in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
A Study of Aripiprazole in Patients With Schizophrenia in General Psychiatric Practices
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective DisorderThe purpose of this clinical research study is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of 8 week of aripiprazole treatment.
A Study of Strategies to Improve Schizophrenia Treatment
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective DisorderThe goal of this project is to translate research findings about key aspects of antipsychotic treatment into routine care through a multi-component intervention, focusing on improving two aspects of medication management that are directly linked to patient outcomes: 1) monitoring for potentially serious metabolic side effects of newer antipsychotic medication, and 2) increasing the appropriate use of clozapine for treatment-refractory patients.
Participatory Messaging in the UCLA Psychiatry Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient...
DepressionAnxiety1 moreThis research project aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a new approach to tailored mobile applications using the Chorus Participatory Mobile Framework. PHP and IOP program participants-patients and therapists--will be consented and enrolled by study staff. Study participants will be invited to workgroups specific to their program to discuss the usability of Chorus and be asked to complete surveys on demographics, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and involvement with Chorus and usability of the tool.
Comparing Thinking Skills for Work (TSW)Home Practice Program With Traditional TSW Program
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective Disorder2 moreThe purpose of this study is to determine if using a tablet computer, which is a very small, easy-to-carry computer, to practice thinking exercises at home will help improve your attention, memory, and problem solving abilities. All the participants will receive training in the thinking skills for work program. But in order to determine the effect of tablet use for home practice, half of the participants will be given a tablet to practice the thinking exercises at home. All participants will be receiving vocational rehabilitation and have a goal of getting a job.
Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training in Early Onset Psychosis
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective Disorder1 moreCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training (SST) are recommended psychological interventions to improve symptomatology and functional recovery in psychosis. In addition, CBT may reduce hyperactivation of the brain structures responsible for the stress response. In patients with early onset psychotic disorder (EOP) there are not any previous controlled study that has analyzed the efficacy of this type of intervention. The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy of CBT + SST in symptomatic and functional improvement after the treatment in patients with EOP. The study will also examine the potential effect of the intervention on neurobiological stress markers.
Narrative Exposure Therapy in Patients With Psychotic Disorders and a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder...
SchizophreniaPTSDAdverse childhood experiences in psychotic disorders are associated with increased cognitive deficits, severe psychotic symptoms, and increased comorbidity. The number of different stress experiences also increases the probability of trauma-associated symptoms. Furthermore, neurobiological changes play a key role in the vulnerability of individuals with early traumas for mental and physical illnesses, among others for diseases of the schizophrenic spectrum disorder and the further course of the disease. The current project pursues a detailed recording of the course of symptoms in inpatients with psychosis to link this data with a systematic recording of childhood experiences and traumatic experiences and biological data. On a subsample of inpatients with psychosis and a comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the researchers want to investigate whether symptom traits of existing psychotic disorders, biomolecular parameters and cognitive functions can be influenced by a trauma-specific treatment (NET), that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of PTSD.
Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) Versus Placebo as an Adjunct to Treatment in Early Psychosis
Early PsychosisThis is an outpatient, single center, between-group, double blind, placebo controlled design. Approximately 120 adolescents and adult patients will be randomized to either have their treatment augmented with Cannabidiol Oral Solution (CBD) or with a matching CBD placebo for 8 weeks. The study will examine CBD as an augmentation strategy in early psychosis. It is hypothesized that CBD will improve symptoms, neurocognition, markers of inflammation and eating behaviors. Importantly, moderators and mediators of the CBD effects will be explored.
A Novel Treatment Approach for Self-Stigma in First Episode Psychosis
Psychotic DisordersStigma towards mental illness is one of the greatest barriers to functional recovery that people with psychotic disorders face. Internalization of stigma (self-stigma) is associated with increased depressive symptoms, treatment non-adherence, and reduced quality of life. Self-stigma also has functional consequences, such as social avoidance and decreased help-seeking behaviour, which may worsen symptoms and impede recovery. Despite a growing awareness of the negative outcomes associated with self-stigma, few interventions have been designed to specifically address this experience in first episode psychosis. This project proposes to determine the effectiveness of an innovative, youth-oriented, group-based intervention known as Be Outspoken and Overcome Stigmatizing Thoughts (BOOST), which aims to reduce self-stigma and promote effective communication skills for adults (16-65 years old) experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
CBD Cigarettes Instead of Normal Cigarettes as Innovative Treatment for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic DisordersHarm ReductionInterventional study using Cannabidiol containing cigarettes as replacement of usual cigarettes Reduction of enforcement measures, improved acute treatment, harm reduction, and improvement of psychotic symptoms