Cognitive Skills Training for Homeless Youth

New York State Psychiatric Institute

Status: Completed

Conditions: Attention Deficit Disorder; Substance Abuse; Anxiety Disorders; Affective Disorders

Treatments: Behavioral: Computer Skills Training; Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT01815398

#6586

1R21MH092569-01A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 188 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 22 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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188 participants in 2 patient groups

Computer skills training

Active Comparator group

Description:

26 sessions conducted 2-3 times a week to train in computer skills related to the workforce.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Computer Skills Training

Cognitive Remediation

Experimental group

Description:

26 sessions conducted 2-3 times a week of cognitive remediation

Treatment:

Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation