ESSENCE Program

Help for young adults in the early course of schizophrenia

New evidence suggests that early psychological treatment after a person has first become ill with a psychotic episode, may reduce the level of impairment. The ESSENCE Program aims to study how best to help adults in the early course of schizophrenia using psychosocial treatment.

The ESSENCE Program is a treatment study for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder.  Participants will be treated for up to 18 months with either Cognitive Enhancement Therapy or Enriched Supportive Therapy, both of which have been shown to help people with schizophrenia.

In addition to receiving these research interventions, participants may also be asked to complete interviews, computer testing, and neuroimaging assessments. Participants will be compensated for completing these activities, and will not be billed for treatment provided by the program.


What is Cognitive Enhancement Therapy?
This research treatment aims to help with problems in thinking, planning, and
socialization. Participants begin with cognitive training using computer software
programs. They also participate in a small social-cognitive group to learn about their condition and how to act wisely in social situations by developing the abilities needed to understand another person’s perspective, evaluate social contexts, and be foresightful.

Time commitment: about 3 1/2 hours per week


What is Enriched Supportive Therapy?
This research treatment uses individual supportive therapy to help adults learn about their condition, manage their emotions and stress, improve their social skills, and cope with everyday problems. Participants will learn about the impact of stress on their lives, and how to identify their own early cues of distress and apply effective coping strategies to manage their illness.

Time commitment: about 1 hour per week


Who is Eligible to Participate?
Individuals with the following characteristics are eligible for the ESSENCE program:

  • Age 18-65
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder within the past 8 years
  • Taking prescribed antipsychotic medication
  • No diagnosis or history of seizures, head trauma or mental retardation
  • No drug or alcohol abuse in the last 3 months
  • Ability to speak and read English


Is There a Charge to Participate?
There is no charge for any of the research procedures, including Cognitive
Enhancement Therapy and Enriched Supportive Therapy appointments. Financial
reimbursement for travel to the clinic is available, and participants could receive up to $975 for completing the study.


How to Contact Us
The referring clinician (or interested patient and family) can contact us by calling intake staff at 412-586-9000 or 412-246-5957. Please leave a message with your name and contact information if you receive an answering machine. The ESSENCE Program is located at Webster Hall, 4415 Fifth Avenue, Suite 142M in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Parking is available at Webster Hall (use the Bellefield Avenue entrance).

 

Support for the ESSENCE Program is provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.