Intensive Computerized Brain Training in Early Onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder-Pilot Phase

Focus of Study:

Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder in youths and young adults, ages 10-19

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to examine whether an intensive computerized intervention targeted on improving central auditory and visual processing and executive functioning can be implemented in youth 10-17 with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, what developmental modifications are needed particularly for the younger participants, and whether it is possible to develop an appropriate, blinded control intervention. Ultimately we seek to develop nonpharmacologic strategies for improving neurocognition and overall functioning in youth with schizophrenia.

Enrollment:

60 youths total: 40 with Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum and 20 Heatlhy Controls

Primary Completion Date:

TBD

Ages of Eligibility:

10-19

Inclusion Criteria:

Major inclusion criteria for early onset schizophrenia spectrum (EOSS) participants:

Age 10 years to 19 years inclusive;
Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder made by a child psychiatrist using DSM-IV criteria, confirmed by the KSADS (a semi-structured diagnostic interview) (Kaufman et al 1997);
Guardian who is able and willing to participate in ongoing assessments and care;
Ongoing psychiatric care for EOSS including medication treatment (except typical antipsychotic medication treatment).
Major inclusion criteria for healthy control participants:
- Age 10-19 years inclusive
- Guardian who is able and willing to participate in initial diagnostic assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

Major exclusion criteria for early onset schizophrenia spectrum (EOSS) participants:

Substance abuse within the month preceding treatment
Hearing impairment that precludes participation in ICBT
Visual impairment that precludes participation in ICBT
Medical condition that is likely to impair learning or consciousness such as epilepsy or narcolepsy
Lack of fluency in English language
Severe psychotic symptoms that prevent quiet activity for up to 90 minutes at time
Treatment with typical antipsychotic treatment
Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT (Wilkinson 1993)) reading subscale standard score less than 65
Known history of premorbid developmental delay or learning disability
Primary diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder
Major exclusion criteria for healthy control participants:
- KSADS current or past diagnosis of psychiatric disorder including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, Tourette’s disorder, eating disorder, borderline personality disorder, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder
- Family history in first or second degree relative of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, Tourette’s disorder, eating disorder, borderline personality disorder, autism spectrum disorder
- Substance use within the month preceding treatment
- Psychotropic medication treatment
- Hearing impairment that precludes participation in ICBT
- Visual impairment that precludes participation in ICBT
- Medical condition that is likely to impair learning or consciousness such as epilepsy or narcolepsy
- Lack of fluency in English language
- Severe psychotic symptoms that prevent quiet activity for up to 90 minutes at time
- WRAT reading subscale standard score less than 65
- Known history of premorbid developmental delay or learning disability

Contacts:

hone: 1-800-708-0048

E-mail: ASPIRE@unc.edu

Locations:

UNC Neurosciences Hospital DNC clinic

Sponsors & Collaborators:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Investigators:

Linmarie Sikich, MD