Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this study is to figure out whether people with chronic psychosis can use an iPad to connect with programs or apps and an online group and to determine if these digital treatments improve social abilities, improve symptoms and improve quality of life in people with chronic psychosis.
What will happen if I take part in this research study?
After a preliminary diagnostic interview and eligibility assessment, you will be loaned an iPad through which you will participate in the CLIMB Mobile Intervention over a period of 6 weeks. The CLIMB Mobile Intervention consists of Social Cognitive Training, Remote Group Therapy Sessions, Peer-to-peer secure social networking, and check-ins with the study staff.
How long will I be in the study?
In total you will be actively involved in the research study for approximately 8 weeks. Week 1 will consist of baseline assessments. Weeks 2-7 will be the CLIMB intervention in which time commitment will vary between participants, depending how much participants decide to utilize the apps. It is recommended that participants use CLIMB for approximately 4.5 hours/weeks. The final week will be follow-up assessments.
Are there benefits to taking part in the study?
There is no direct benefit from participation in this study. Information that you provide will help health professionals better understand the experience of emotion, social difficulties and schizophrenia. This study is not a substitute for therapy and participants are required to continue seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care physician in order to participate in the study.
• The CLIMB lab is looking for people interested in participating in a remote study. No travel is required in order to participate.
• Participants are provided iPads for the duration of the study in order to complete the intervention anytime, and anywhere they choose.
• Intervention aims to help people with chronic psychosis lessen their symptoms, learn new ways of thinking, and improve social functioning.
• This intervention includes a neuroscience-informed computerized cognitive training, virtual group therapy sessions and social networking.
• Participation requires a commitment of 4.5 hours/week for 8-10 weeks.
• Participants do not incur any costs related to participation, and may earn up to $285 for completing this study.
Eligible participants should:
• Be between 18-65.
• Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
• Currently receive treatment by a therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care physician for schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
• Have ability to use iPad-based training applications.
• Have no neurological disorder, major head injury, mental retardation diagnosis, or autism spectrum disorder.
• Fluent in English.
• No changes to medications for at least 30 days.
• No hospitalizations in the previous 3 months.
• Be sober for assessments, trainings, and group therapy sessions.