Using Illusions to Boost Social Cognition (NCT07602712) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Using Illusions to Boost Social Cognition
France60 participantsStarted 2026-07
Plain-language summary
This study aims to explore whether the observation of complex visual objects can help improve social cognition in people living with psychotic disorders. Social cognition refers to the ability to understand what others think, feel, or intend, and plays a key role in social relationships and daily interactions.
Main questions this study aims to answer:
* Does dyadic exposure to complex visual objects improve mental state attribution, as measured by the Faux Pas Test?
* Does the intervention enhance related domains of social cognition, including implicit intention inference (Hinting Task), interpretation of complex interactions (Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition, MASC), and reduction of hostile attribution biases (Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire, AIHQ)?
* Are improvements maintained after one month, and do patients who receive the intervention later (waitlist group) show the same benefits once exposed?
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 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.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 18 to 40 years
* Fluent French speaker
* Has provided written informed consent
* For individuals under guardianship (curatorship): inclusion is permitted if the curator is available to assist or advise when needed.
* Established diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or brief psychotic disorder according to theDiagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria
* Presence of social cognition impairment, defined by:subjective complaint reported by the participant or identified by care teams regarding difficulties in social interaction and clinical confirmation of observable difficulties (e.g., social withdrawal, misinterpretation of others' intentions, inappropriate social behaviour)
* Membership or entitlement to a social security plan
Exclusion Criteria:
* Clinical state incompatible with participation in group-based activities (e.g., severe psychomotor agitation, severe behavioural disturbance)
* Concurrent participation in another social cognition remediation program
* Diagnosis of intellectual disability
* Insufficient comprehension of French for verbal interaction and test completion
* Significant change in psychotropic medication within the past month
* Uncorrectable visual impairment preventing participation
* Pregnant women
* Individuals under full guardianship (tutorship)
Questions worth asking your doctor
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
"Faux Pas" test total score
Timeframe: Change from pre to post intervention (up to 3 hours)