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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01815398

Cognitive Skills Training for Homeless Youth

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Affective Disorders Anxiety Disorders Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Chemically-Induced Disorders Mental Disorders Mood Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders Substance Abuse Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

18 year–22 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Covenant House New York

New York, 10019, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive Remediation

Behavioral

Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR) is an evidence based, manualized cognitive remediation program that targets cognitive deficits (eg memory, processing speed, executive functioning, working memory and attention) with the intent of improving daily functioning.NEAR is conducted in a small group setting, allowing for supportive social interaction while participants work at their own computer station on engaging computerized activities that are selected to address their unique profile of cognitive deficits. Then, as a group they discuss how their respective cognitive activities will help them achieve their vocational goals.

Other names: NEAR

Computer Skills Training

Behavioral

Participants utilize an interactive software program that delivers tutorials, lessons, and practice sessions to develop computer skills for office based employment. During the learning activities, the clinician offers coaching and assistance in setting up computerized training exercises as needed.

Primary outcomes

  1. Global Cognition Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 13, 26 sessions

    A Global Cognition Score will be derived from the average z scores in five domains of cognitive functioning: working memory, verbal memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and attention.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Vocational outcome

    Time frame: Baseline, 13, 26 sessions

    The vocational outcome will be total number of hours worked. Hours worked per week (range of 0 to 40) will be summed from the time of session 1 of cognitive remediation/active control to the time of one month followup.

Other outcomes

  1. Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

    Time frame: Baseline, 13, 26 sessions

    Self-reported motivation for cognitive treatment will be measured using the total score from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

New York State Psychiatric Institute

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Registry information

Official study title

Cognitive Skills Training to Improve Vocational Outcome in Homeless Youth

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2017
First posted
Mar 21, 2013
Registry last updated
Mar 28, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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