RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cognitive Remediation in Forensic Mental Health Care

This research is investigating a training programme called 'cognitive remediation' for people staying in a forensic mental health unit. People in these units often find it hard to plan, solve problems, or control impulses. This study wants to find out if these special brain exercises, done on a computer with a coach, can help improve these thinking skills. Researchers also want to see if better thinking skills lead to improvements in daily life, such as getting along with others and managing mental health symptoms. Ultimately, the study hopes to understand if this programme could help patients have shorter hospital stays and reduce the chance of returning to issues like aggression or substance use in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Enrolment target

Start

10 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

10 Feb 2026

Psychotic Disorders ADHD TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)Aggression Substance Use Disorders Violence Cognitive Dysfunction Anxiety Depression Schizophrenia Offenders Antisocial

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a type of mental training called 'cognitive remediation'. This training involves special brain exercises, often done on a computer, combined with guidance from a coach. It's designed to help people improve their thinking skills, especially things like planning, problem-solving, and being able to stop unwanted behaviours. These particular skills are sometimes called 'executive functions'.

The researchers are focusing on people currently staying in forensic mental health units. They know that many patients in these units, who might have conditions like schizophrenia, ADHD, or who have experienced a head injury, sometimes struggle with these thinking skills. These difficulties can make it harder for them to manage their behaviour, live independently, and can even increase the chance of repeat problems. Currently, most care programmes in these units don't specifically offer this type of brain training.

So, this study wants to find out if taking part in these cognitive remediation exercises can make a real difference. They will compare it to another activity to see if this special training can improve thinking abilities, help with daily tasks, and reduce symptoms like anxiety or depression. The ultimate goal is to see if this kind of training could lead to better outcomes for patients in forensic care, potentially helping them to recover and re-join the community more successfully.

Key takeaways

The study explores brain exercises (cognitive remediation) for forensic mental health patients.
It aims to improve planning, problem-solving, and impulse control.
Training is computer-based with coaching, over 6 weeks.
Researchers will check for improvements in thinking, daily life, and mental health.
The goal is potentially shorter hospital stays and better recovery for patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 55 years old and be able to read and speak English well. You must also currently be a patient staying in the Forensic Treatment Unit.

However, some people won't be able to take part. This includes anyone who has a diagnosed intellectual disability. Also, if you've had a head injury that caused you to pass out and led to serious, known brain problems that needed hospital care or rehabilitation, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

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.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Can you read and speak fluent English?
Are you currently an inpatient at the Forensic Treatment Unit?
Have you been diagnosed with an intellectual disability? (If yes, you cannot join.)
Have you had a severe head injury that caused brain problems needing hospital care? (If yes, you cannot join.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll take part in special computer-based brain exercises. This will happen for a total of 12 hours over 6 weeks. You'll also have a coach to help guide you. The researchers will check your thinking skills, how you manage daily tasks, and your mental health symptoms both before the training, right after the training, and then again 12 weeks later to see if any improvements last. The study doesn't involve new medications, but focuses on the training itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve your thinking skills, daily abilities, and overall mental well-being. There are very few known risks with cognitive remediation exercises; they are generally considered safe. However, like any study, there's always a chance you might not experience any direct benefits. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'thinking skills' you're trying to improve?

We're focusing on skills like planning, problem-solving, making good decisions, and being able to stop yourself from doing things you shouldn't. These are sometimes called 'executive functions'.

What does 'cognitive remediation' mean?

It's a type of mental training where you do brain exercises, often on a computer, with support from a coach. It's designed to help you improve specific thinking skills.

Will I have to take new medicine?

No, this study only involves the brain exercises and coaching. It does not involve any new medications.

How to find out more

Patrizia Pezzoli, PhD

p.pezzoli@ucl.ac.uk 613-722-6521 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.