STUDY Opportunity for You: using brain training games to treat psychosis

DX'd - Other
1

Hey guys, I just got accepted into a study testing the effectiveness of using brain training games to treat psychotic symptoms. They are still looking for more people to participate, if anyone is interested. The study is four months long, with post-study interviews for six months afterward. They will pay you for your time. To qualify for the study, you must:

Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, psychosis NOS, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or bipolar disorder with psychotic features.

Be between the ages of 18 and 60 years old

Be in good general health

Have an outpatient status of at least 3 months

Been on stable medication (within the last 30 days)

Use English as their first Language

Have not had a history of severe substance use within the past 3 months

Have access to a computer

Have a personal smartphone device

For more information, check out the website

http://vinogradovlab.com/roam-page/4592477637

or watch the video

14 Likes
2

This is very interesting! I might do it too if everything is confidential =)

3 Likes
3

I donā€™t know if I got it right. The games help people differentiate hallucination sounds from non-hallucination sounds. Is it?

4

If my understanding is correct, they are designed to turn hallucinations into regular thoughts, by changing the area of the brain they occur in. The area of the brain that she was talking about where auditory hallucinations occur is called Wernickeā€™s area, and itā€™s where language processing for verbal speech happens. By shifting activity to the prefrontal cortex, it should mean you no longer hear the hallucinations. They also improve social functioning and such. I have an interview tomorrow and Iā€™ll be finding out more information then.

9 Likes
5

Thank you, @Ninjastar! I donā€™t have hallucinations (just dellusions), but I have a friend who has it. I think this study is very important. I hope things work out and it comes to Brazil soon.

3 Likes
6

It is a strictly online study. Itā€™s all done remotely, so your friend in Brazil should be able to participate if he has a smartphone and computer.

5 Likes
7

I canā€™t do this, because my SSI would be docked. SSI can then also claim that theyā€™ve ā€œoverpaidā€ me, so they can lower my income later on.

I would love to do it. Oh wellā€¦

8

Is it all online? I canā€™t watch the video right now.

Oh never mind I just noticed the link lol.

9

I was in a study awhile back, Iā€™m no good at games and did poorly, I get bored with it and donā€™t want to do it

10

Funny you mention this, Iā€™ve been learning a new foreign language these past few years, and my hallucinations have declined in amountā€¦?

I figured the new language just ā€˜crowded them out.ā€™

1 Like
11

Thatā€™s weird. I would think youā€™d just start hallucinating in the new language, too.

1 Like
12

Iā€™d love him to participate, but he doesnā€™t speak English and, well, itā€™s long story, but I canā€™t contact him.

Iā€™d love to participate. Is it possible (the description says I need to have English as my first language)?

1 Like
13

You could always email and ask. They do a phone or skype interview with you to determine your eligibility.

4 Likes
14

Thank you, @Ninjastar! Good idea. I think this study is very interesting. Iā€™ll email them.

1 Like
15

That sounds very interesting and fun! I could do it but I donā€™t have a smart phone. Itā€™s a little ridiculous but I have an Obamaphone. It calls and texts but it is extremely rudimentary. It is like a phone from 2000. Bummer

16

Thanks for posting this I think Iā€™m gonna participate in this as well.

Also they are located in Minnesota thatā€™s where I live.

1 Like
17

I just had my intake interview, and she said she couldnā€™t give me more specific information about exactly what symptoms it treats, because that would invalidate the double blind aspect of the study. But there are two parts. One part is brain training exercises, and one part is a scheduling/social media type app that is designed to improve daily functioning and social skills. @Anna this study keeps making me think of you. I think you would really like it.

3 Likes
18

Iā€™ve been in contact with them and Iā€™m supposed to have a phone conversation this Friday. Iā€™ll tell you how it goes!

It is very rare to find targeted treatment like this for psychosis, and even rarer to find a study that is asking for anyone with a psychosis diagnosis not just sz. So thatā€™s pretty neat! Itā€™s nice that itā€™s all remote too.

2 Likes
19

Thatā€™s awesome! I hope it goes well for you!

2 Likes
20

The same brain training program that they use in the study is available to the general public at

https://www.brainhq.com/

The sub costs approx 10 US Dollars per month.

2 Likes