Cognitive Behavioral Skills Training for Schizophrenia
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Schizophrenia
- Sponsor
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation
- Enrollment
- 179
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Social Functioning
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 10 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training versus goal-focused supportive contact in improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia.
Detailed Description
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don't hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These symptoms make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to interact normally and establish healthy social relationships with others. Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) is a group behavioral therapy intervention that focuses on improving cognitive and metacognitive impairments and social skills deficits that interfere with normal functioning in people with schizophrenia. Goal-focused supportive contact (GFSC) is a group therapy intervention that focuses on helping people with schizophrenia to verbalize their problems or worries and to seek advice from fellow group members. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CBSST versus GFSC in improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia. The study will assessed changes in cognition, psychotic symptoms, and use of psychiatric healthcare services. Participants in this open label study were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: treatment as usual (TAU) plus CBSST or TAU plus GFSC. Both interventions consist of 2-hour therapy sessions weekly for 36 weeks. Groups receiving each intervention do not exceed ten people. CBSST integrates cognitive therapy, social skills training, and neurocognitive compensatory aids. Cognitive therapy helps participants challenge unhelpful thoughts and build communication and problem-solving skills. Participants receive workbooks that describe the skills and contain homework assignments. GFSC focuses on empowering participants to share problems, worries, or concerns with others who face similar issues. Participants share advice with each other, but therapists do not teach skills. Outcomes were be assessed at Months 4.5, 9, 15, and 21 for all participants.
Investigators
Eric L. Granholm
Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD
San Diego Veterans Healthcare System
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at any stage of illness
Exclusion Criteria
- •Level of care required at baseline interferes with outpatient group therapy participation (e.g., partial or inpatient hospitalization for psychiatric illness, substance use, or physical illness)
- •No case manager or care coordinator
- •Medically or psychiatrically unstable for outpatient therapy
- •Exposure to social skills training (SST), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) within 5 years prior to study entry
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Social Functioning
Time Frame: Measured at baseline and Months 9 and 21
Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS), PSR Toolkit, Maryland Assessment of Social Competence (MASC)
Secondary Outcomes
- Neuropsychological functioning(Measured at baseline and Months 9 and 21)
- Psychotic symptoms(Measured at baseline and Months 4.5, 9, 15, and 21)
- Cognitive insight(Measured at baseline and Months 4.5, 9, 15, and 21)