Young people with At Risk Mental State (ARMS) may have changes in their thoughts and the way they see or hear things, which they might find odd and distressing. They may be feeling tense, worried and low in mood and may not feel like socialising. They may also experience difficulties with eating and sleeping. For many people these symptoms might not last for very long, but for a small number of people, they might last longer and could become worse (health professionals call this psychosis). Psychological therapy, which involves talking to a therapist, can help to stop these symptoms from getting worse, stopping psychosis. It can also help to make the symptoms better. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the treatment that is most recommended to help young people with ARMS. But, this is not always available, can take a long time and is quite expensive. Some research has shown that brief therapy with a therapist who is warm and understanding and helps the young person to make sense of their symptoms, may be as helpful as CBT, and is quicker and cheaper. This study hopes to develop a treatment like this and to offer it to 12 young people, aged between 16 and 25, who are experiencing the symptoms outlined. Participants will be given four treatment sessions, and will be asked to complete some questionnaires. The study aims to see how they find it and whether it seems to help them. It will also ask professionals who work with these young people what they think about the new therapy. This is a feasibility study so the findings will help us to decide whether more research should be done on this treatment and whether it could be offered in the NHS in the future.
Age range
16 Years – 25 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State (CAARMS) - Change in At Risk Symptoms
Timeframe: 2 months