Visual Perceptual Remediation for Schizophrenia
(VRiS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen bySteven M Silverstein, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Rochester

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a visual remediation intervention for people with schizophrenia. The intervention targets two visual functions that much research has shown are impaired in many people with the disorder, namely contrast sensitivity and perceptual organization. The first phase of the study will test the effects of interventions targeting each of these processes, as well as the effects of a combined package. A control condition of higher-level cognitive remediation is included as a fourth condition. The second phase of the study will evaluate the effectiveness of the most effective intervention from the first phase, but in a new and larger sample of individuals. Outcome measures include multiple aspects of visual functioning, as well as visual cognition and overall community functioning.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, who speak English and can complete basic cognitive tests. They should be clinically stable with no recent medication changes and have at least a 6th-grade reading level. People with eye diseases, recent substance abuse, intellectual disabilities, or significant brain trauma are not eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

A raw score of 37 or greater on the Wide Range Achievement Test, Reading subtest (WRAT-3), to establish a minimum reading level (6th grade) and to estimate premorbid IQ

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

My antipsychotic medication has not changed in the last month.

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Alcohol or substance use disorder within the last 6 months

History of intellectual disability, or developmental or neurological disorder

I have had a head injury that made me unconscious for more than 10 minutes.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study evaluates the effectiveness of visual remediation interventions for schizophrenia patients. It examines contrast sensitivity and perceptual organization through UltimEyes + Contour Integration Training versus each method alone or MyBrainSolutions as control. The best approach from phase one will undergo further testing in phase two.

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Perceptual organizationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Contour Integration Training

Group II: Contrast sensitivity + Perceptual org.Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

UltimEyes + Contour Integration Training

Group III: Contrast sensitivityExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

UltimEyes

Group IV: Cognitive remediationActive Control1 Intervention

MyBrainSolutions