Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cognitive Remediation for Social Cognition in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders

This study is exploring a new online programme called RC2S+ that aims to help people with conditions like schizophrenia improve their social thinking skills. These skills are really important for daily life, including talking to others, working, and studying. The programme uses virtual reality to practise social situations. Researchers want to find out if using RC2S+ remotely (from home) is practical and acceptable for people in Canada, and if it helps them with their difficulties. Previous small studies in France showed promising results, so this study is a vital next step to check if it can be adapted for a wider audience and delivered online, especially considering the changes brought about by the recent pandemic.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Enrolment target

Start

06 Jan 2022

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Psychosis Schizophrenia Cognitive Impairment

What is this study about?

This study focuses on a common difficulty faced by people with conditions like schizophrenia, which is sometimes called 'social cognition'. This basically means the mental skills we use when we interact with other people – things like understanding feelings, knowing how others might think, and navigating social situations. These skills are really important for daily activities, such as making friends, doing well at school or work, and just generally feeling more comfortable in social settings. When these skills are challenging, it can make everyday life much harder.

There's an approach called 'cognitive remediation' which involves exercises to help improve these thinking skills. We know that improving social cognition can make a big difference to someone's quality of life. This particular study is looking at a new, specially designed programme called RC2S+. What's unique about RC2S+ is that it's personalised, meaning it's tailored to your specific difficulties, and it uses virtual reality to create lifelike social interactions for you to practice. Previous small studies of RC2S+ done in person in France showed that it was well-received and seemed to help people.

Now, the researchers want to find out if this programme can be used effectively online and if it's suitable for people in places like Canada, taking into account different social customs and everyday life. They also want to see if it can be delivered remotely, which is increasingly important, especially after the experiences of the recent pandemic. This study is a crucial first step to see if RC2S+ can be a useful tool for a wider group of people experiencing these challenges.

Key takeaways

This study explores an online programme (RC2S+) to improve social thinking skills.
It uses virtual reality to practice social interactions.
Aims to see if remote use is practical and helpful for people with schizophrenia and similar conditions.
You need to have existing difficulties with social thinking to be eligible.
No new medications are involved in this research.
Your contribution could help shape future support for others.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would generally need to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a similar mental health condition, as confirmed by your doctor. You need to be 18 years old or over and currently be receiving care from a doctor or mental health professional at the Douglas Mental Health University Hospital in Canada. A key part of joining is that you should have some difficulty with social thinking skills, which would be identified by specific tests chosen by the researchers. This is important because the programme aims to help with these very challenges. Your managing doctor would also need to confirm that your mental health is generally stable and that you would be able to use online tools for the programme.

You would also need to have access to a computer or other digital device, an internet connection, and a private space where you can do your online sessions without interruptions. Finally, you would need to be able to provide details of someone to contact in an emergency. It's important to be able to speak and read either French or English to take part.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your thinking difficulties are due to a physical cause like a head injury or a neurological condition, or if you have a diagnosis of learning disability or autism. You also can't join if you are currently in hospital. The researchers want to make sure the study is right for you and your health needs.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related condition?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Do I have some difficulties with understanding social situations or emotions?
Do I have access to a computer and internet at home?
Can I speak and read either French or English?
Is my mental health currently stable?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first have some assessments to check your eligibility and to measure your social thinking skills. Once you're confirmed for the study, you'll start using the RC2S+ online programme. This programme will involve several sessions where you'll practice social interactions using virtual reality. You'll do these sessions remotely from your own private space using your computer and internet connection. We don't have details on the exact number of sessions or the total time commitment, but you will receive full information before deciding. There are no new medications involved in this study; it's all about using the online programme. After you've completed the programme, there will be follow-up assessments to see if your social thinking skills have improved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you improve your social thinking skills, which might make daily interactions and activities feel easier. You would also be contributing to important research that could help many other people in the future. As this is an online programme, potential risks are generally low, but might include discomfort with technology, or sometimes feeling a bit challenged during the social interaction exercises. However, you will be supported throughout the process. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada

Common questions

What is 'social cognition'?

It's about the mental skills we use to understand and interact with other people, like recognising emotions or understanding social situations.

What does RC2S+ involve?

It's an online programme that uses virtual reality to help you practice and improve your social thinking skills in different situations.

Do I need special equipment to join?

You'll need a computer or similar device with internet access, and a private space where you can do the online sessions without being disturbed.

Will I have to take new strong medicines?

No, this study is about an online programme, not about testing new medications. You'll continue with your usual prescribed treatments.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can choose to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the care you receive.