Actively Recruiting
Evaluating a Brief Virtual Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Early Phase Psychosis and Substance Misuse in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
Led by Nova Scotia Health Authority · Updated on 2026-04-07
50
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Psychotic disorders affect a significant number of people globally, including many young individuals in Canada, often starting in youth or early adulthood. These disorders can lead to difficulties with thinking, relationships, and overall well-being, and also result in high economic costs. Early intervention services have shown benefits, but substance misuse, especially alcohol and cannabis, can interfere with treatment effectiveness. This research focuses on early phase psychosis (EPP) patients who misuse substances and explores a therapy aimed at reducing this misuse. The study compares a therapy called Action-Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) with standard early intervention care, which includes one psychoeducation session about substance use impacts. ABCR involves 16 virtual therapy sessions over 2 months, using computer-based exercises, real-life simulations, and group discussions to improve cognitive skills like attention, memory, executive function, and social cognition. Participants choose whether to receive ABCR or continue with usual care. Data is collected at the start, after 2 months, and 3 months post-therapy. Participants will share information about their demographics, clinical status, substance use, and cognitive functioning through questionnaires and tests. Researchers will monitor changes in alcohol and cannabis use, psychotic symptoms, mental health, and cognitive abilities. Medication use and healthcare resource use will also be recorded. The study aims to assess whether ABCR helps reduce substance misuse and improve overall functioning during and after the therapy, with participation lasting about 5 months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Action-Based Cognitive Remediation on Substance Misuse in Early Phase Psychosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 16 and 30 years
- Enrollment in Early Intervention Services for Psychosis in Nova Scotia or Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program in Newfoundland
- Diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum disorder
- Less than 5 years since onset of psychotic illness
- Problematic alcohol and/or cannabis use with a score of 8 or higher on recognized screening tests
You will not qualify if you...
- Current stimulant use disorder
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual) involving assessments of psychotic disorder status and substance use screening
Duration - 2 months
Participants choose between receiving Action-Based Cognitive Remediation therapy or treatment as usual. Those in the therapy group attend virtual group sessions to improve cognitive functions and reduce substance use. The usual care group receives standard early intervention and one psychoeducation session on substance use impacts.
16 bi-weekly virtual therapy sessions for the intervention group; 1 brief psychoeducation session for the usual care group
Duration - 3 months post-therapy
Participants complete additional assessments to measure changes in substance use, cognitive function, and clinical symptoms after the intervention period.
1 follow-up assessment visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery program
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Actively Recruiting
2
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rachel Church, MSc. OT
C
Candice E Crocker, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here