Perceptual Deficits in Schizophrenia
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective DisorderIn this study, participants with schizophrenia and schizoaffective are given computer exercises to complete. The goals of the study are to determine whether: 1) any of the computer exercises can improve information processing problems in schizophrenia, 2) improvements in information processing are related to other cognitive improvements, and 3) there are changes in brain activity associated with using the computer exercises. The study will involve clinical interviews, cognitive tests, and frequent computerized cognitive training over the course of 2 months. Some participants will also have electroencephalography, a non-invasive test that measures brain activity, to determine whether there are changes in brain activity with the computer training.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations
Psychotic DisordersMood Disorders4 moreThe present study aims to examine the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation on the severity of auditory hallucinations.
Routine Outcome Monitoring in Mental Health Outpatient
Affective DisordersAnxiety Disorders2 moreScientific Background: Inherent gaps exist between the worlds of research and clinical therapy, especially in mental-health systems. Developed as an important strategy aimed to bridge them, widening efforts worldwide have implemented Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM), a method devised for systematic ongoing quantitative measurements used in diverse clinical practices, from psychotherapies to psychiatric management. The efficacy of this approach has been repeatedly demonstrated in various measures, such as satisfaction with treatment by patients and therapists, lower drop-out rates, symptomatic benefits, and more. Objectives: The aim of the current study is to test the feasibility and the clinical benefits of implementation of a Routine Outcome Monitoring System in a public clinical center, as a pioneering project in Israel, at the "Shalvata" Mental Health Center. Working Hypotheses: Incorporation of a ROM system in routine clinical practice is hypothesized to improve patients' and therapists' overall satisfaction, allow for early detection and intervention in therapeutic raptures, decrease drop-out rates, and improve various clinical outcome measures. Methods: The suggested study is a two-stage (implementation and intervention) open trial. 900 new outpatients in 'Shalvata' clinics will be recruited and randomized to intervention (ROM) and control groups. Assessment questionnaires will be filled periodically using 'CORE-NET', a computerized system enabling repeated measurements and feedback in a user-friendly and efficient manner. Data Analysis: The evaluation of the differential influence of monitoring processes on overall efficiency as compared to control group will be tested using Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The predictive value of possible variables on process and outcome of therapy will be assessed using stratified regression analyses. The possible causal effects between specific lagged variables will be assessed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Time Series Analysis. Contribution: This pioneering study is the first in Israel to offer a routine systematic evaluation of therapeutic processes, as well as assessing its clinical effects. Consequently, a large and meaningful data-set will emerge, enabling significant enrichment of our evidence-based understanding of therapeutic processes.
Study of Web- Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressed Korean Adolescents
DepressionMental Disorder in Adolescence1 moreThe purpose of this study is to develope web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for Korean adoldescents who have a mild depression. And we will investigate whether web-based cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective than supportive psychotherapy for treating depressed adolescents. Our hypothesis is web- based cognitive behavioral is more effective than supportive psychotherapy
Role Functioning Changes NOS
SchizophreniaPsychotic Disorders1 moreDuring this study the investigators will 1) collect measures of social cognition and social functioning in adolescents and young adults who are experiencing early symptoms of a major mental disorder; and 2) evaluate the predictive value and utility of a new role functioning assessment measure for individuals experiencing changes in their lives after an index episode of mental illness. This will happen in the context of providing treatment-as-usual to individuals who arrive seeking help with the early phases of mental illness.
Tolerance and Effect of Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents With Psychosis
PsychosisThe benefits and harms of antipsychotics are relatively well studied in adults. However, there is a lack of scientifically valid studies regarding the benefits and harms of antipsychotics in children and adolescents with psychosis. The main objective of the TEA trial is to compare the efficacy and adverse reactions of two antipsychotics (quetiapine versus aripiprazole) in children and adolescents between 12-17 years of age with psychotic symptoms on psychopathology, cognitive deficits, and daily functioning. Furthermore, the trial will focus on adverse reaction profiles of the two antipsychotics as well as early predictors of later sustained clinical effects of these antipsychotics.
Quetiapine Extended Release (XR) for the Management of Psychotic Aggression or Agitation in Adult...
SchizophreniaPsychosisThis study is a multi-site study examining the use of Quetiapine XR for psychotic aggression in an acute psychiatric setting. The study aims to demonstrate that management with Quetiapine XR significantly reduces aggressive behaviour in acute patients with psychosis, significantly reduces psychotic symptoms and decreases the requirement for sedation using benzodiazepines.
Development and Pilot Evaluation of Modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Adolescents With...
Psychotic DisordersSchizophrenia3 moreIn the last decade cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches for patients with schizophrenia have been developed, which where especially designed to reduce severity of positive symptoms, readmission rates, treatment non-compliance and disability. Although CBT addresses the key problems of early onset psychoses (EOP)treatment and first evaluations of CBT in adults with schizophrenia are promising, no experience with CBT in adolescents with EOP are available. Therefore the present study is conducted to develop a modified CBT (mCBT) for adolescents with EOP, to explore its acceptance and feasibility and to provide data for a realistic estimation of achievable effect size. Patients are randomized to receive either mCBT+TAU or TAU over a 9 month period. mCBT is an individual outpatient treatment of 20 session and 5 psychoeducational sessions with parents. Follow-ups for two years every 6 months are planned.
Tracking Service Use and Outcomes II:First Episode Psychosis and Psychotic Disorders Clinic
Schizophreniform,First Episode PsychosisMain Research questions: Who are the patients referred for treatment at the Psychotic Disorders Clinic? What are the outcomes from treatment for first episode psychosis in multiple outcome domains? What hospital resources are used over the early course of the illness? How satisfied are patients and family with the treatment and services they received? This is an important study that will help us evaluate the service and treatment offered by the Psychotic Disorders Clinic's specialized early intervention program,which helps young people experiencing early stages of psychotic illness.A growing body of evidence suggests that intervening earlier in the course of the illness with specialized and complimentary pharmacological and psychosocial treatment may be associated with improved outcomes.
Clinical Trial of Integrated Treatment Versus Standard Treatment in First Episode Psychosis
Psychotic DisordersSchizophreniform Disorders5 moreThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of integrated treatment for patients with a first episode of psychotic illness. We conducted a randomised clinical trial in Copenhagen Hospital Corporation and Psychiatric Hospital Aarhus, Denmark. We included 547 patients with first episode of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, who has not received antipsychotic medication for more than 12 weeks. Patients were randomised to integrated treatment or standard treatment. The integrated treatment lasted for two years and consisted of assertive community treatment with programmes for family involvement and social skills training. Standard treatment offered contact with a community mental health centre. We wanted to study the effect on psychotic (hallucinations and delusions)and negative (lack of initiative, apati, blunted affect) symptoms (each scored from 0 to a maximum of 5) at one and two years' follow-up. We found that integrated treatment improved clinical outcome and adherence to treatment. The improvement in clinical outcome was consistent at one year and two year follow-ups. We will study further outcome measures such as social network, quality of life, depression and suicidal behaviour.