A randomised control trial of Social Skills Training (SCIT) in those diagnosed with psychosis.

The study will include 128 individuals diagnosed with psychosis who will be randomised to either a befriending program (comparison group) or the SCIT program (intervention). Participants will attend weekly, 2 hour face-to-face group sessions (2 facilitators, 6-8 participants) for 12 weeks at an inner city community mental health clinic. This will be in addition to participants' normal routine care. Mental health clinicians (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and mental health nurses) with specialised training in both SCIT and befriending programs will facilitate programs. External, blinded clinicians (psychologist, mental health nurses) will complete assessments at designated time-points. Facilitators will use the SCIT manual to complete the program. The manual first summarizes the rationale and theoretical underpinnings of SCIT. Next, it distinguishes SCIT from other psychosocial treatments for psychosis. Following this, it provides an overview of the SCIT intervention, along with notes pertinent to its implementation. Then it concludes with a description of the links between the specific intervention activities and the underlying theoretical model. Social cognition training (SCIT) is a non- invasive, manualised talking therapy with a purpose of improving social cognition and social functioning for individuals with schizophrenia. It is comprised of three phases (i.e. Introduction and Emotions, Figuring out Situations and Checking it Out) administered in a group format. Participants’ enrolled in this program will be given a workbook comprising of the above sections to complete. During this completion process they will role-plays, games and technology activities (e.g. watching DVDs) as guided by each section. They will also be asked to complete ‘out of session tasks’ where they will describe their mood and / or situations they become involved with to debrief at the next session. The session are divided into 2 parts with a short break in between to assist maintenance of concentration and to practice socialising within the group. Face to face clinical assessments will be at baseline (week 0) and weeks 12 (end-point) and 24 (post end point) , Intermittent phone contact will occur in between face to face visits and at Week 6 to monitor participants' wellbeing and discuss any concerns the participant may raise. Participants’ will be given Coles / Myer gift vouchers for participating in the trial ($50 at baseline, $50 at end-point, $50 at follow-up) and when needed, transported to and from the clinic.