Feasibility and Acceptability of TRUST, a Six-Session Therapy for Adolescents with Paranoia in CAMHS

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether a new brief talking therapy called TRUST is suitable and can be successfully provided to adolescents aged 16 to 18 who experience paranoia and seek help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services CAMHS. Paranoia involves strong fears that others intend to harm, causing distress and impacting daily life. Despite its prevalence among young people, there are currently no therapies designed specifically for adolescent paranoia, making this study important to fill that treatment gap. Participants will receive TRUST, a six-session individual psychological intervention combining values-based work and mental imagery techniques. The therapy sessions include assessment and psychoeducation, identifying personal values and goals, using imagination to change negative beliefs, and reviewing progress. The study uses a single-case experimental design with baseline periods of 2 to 4 weeks before starting the weekly one-hour therapy sessions. During the study, participants complete questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention, with a follow-up one month later. Researchers will assess recruitment, retention, adherence to therapy, and acceptability of the intervention. They will also monitor changes in paranoia severity using the Revised Green et al., Paranoid Thoughts Scale R-GPTS and other measures of beliefs, imagery, values, and daily functioning. The total participation spans up to 14 weeks, including therapy and follow-up assessments.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Brief Paranoia Intervention.