Cognitive Skills Training for Homeless Youth

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Anxiety Disorders; Affective Disorders; Attention Deficit Disorder; Substance Abuse
• Interventions: Behavioral: Computer Skills Training; Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation

• Registration Number: NCT01815398
• Lead Sponsor: New York State Psychiatric Institute

Brief Summary

Many young people who are homeless have cognitive deficits which impede their ability to secure and maintain employment. This study looks to see if targeting cognitive deficits can improve cognition and vocational outcome.

Detailed Description

The aim of this research is to conduct a controlled study of cognitive remediation, to provide feasibility data on adapting an established empirically-based cognitive intervention for homeless youth to help them attain vocational goals. The ultimate purpose is that youth will improve in cognitive functioning and have better functional outcomes including jobs to sustain independent living.

The results of this study will inform a larger trial on the efficacy of cognitive remediation in homeless youth to improve cognition and vocational outcomes. Hypotheses are that, compared to those in an active control group receiving computerized work-skills training, individuals who receive cognitive remediation will show greater cognitive benefits on proximal measures of neurocognition and evidence better vocational outcome as defined by greater number of hours worked. This study will address the service gap in the use of integrated psychosocial interventions for homeless populations as the first investigation of cognitive remediation in homeless youth.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-07
• Study First Submitted: 2013-03-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-03-20
• Study First Posted: 2013-03-21
• Primary Completion: 2015-12
• Study Completion: 2017-01
• Status Verified: 2017-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-03-27
• Last Update Posted: 2017-03-28

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 188

Inclusion Criteria

• have a current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) Axis I diagnosis
• residing at Covenant House New York Rights of Passage Program
• psychiatrically stable for at least 21 days
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

• mental retardation (<70 Intelligence Quotient; IQ) on premorbid intelligence estimate)
• risk for suicide or violence
• unremitted substance dependence within the past 6 weeks

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Computer skills training	Computer Skills Training	26 sessions conducted 2-3 times a week to train in computer skills related to the workforce.
Cognitive Remediation	Cognitive Remediation	26 sessions conducted 2-3 times a week of cognitive remediation

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Global Cognition Score	Baseline, 13, 26 sessions	A Global Cognition Score will be derived from the average z scores in five domains of cognitive functioning: working memory, verbal memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and attention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Vocational outcome	Baseline, 13, 26 sessions	The vocational outcome will be total number of hours worked. Hours worked per week (range of 0 to 40) will be summed from the time of session 1 of cognitive remediation/active control to the time of one month followup.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Covenant House New York; 🇺🇸 New York City, New York, United States