Young Adults and Violent Behavior During Early Psychosis (Aim 3)
Howard University
Summary
This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of BRAVE, a manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention designed to address dynamic risk factors for violence among young adults with early psychosis. Using a stepped-wedge randomized design, all participants will receive treatment as usual followed by the BRAVE intervention. The study will also explore changes in violence-related behaviors and treatment engagement over time.
Description
Young adults in the early phase of psychosis are at elevated risk for violent behavior, yet few behavioral interventions have been developed to address modifiable violence-related mechanisms in this population. BRAVE is a brief, manualized CBT-based intervention adapted for delivery within early intervention services. In this stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial, all participants will begin in a treatment-as-usual condition and will be randomly and sequentially transitioned to the BRAVE intervention. Participants will receive weekly BRAVE sessions following completion of the treatment-as-us…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Young adults aged 18-30 years * Diagnosis of early psychosis * Currently receiving outpatient care through an early psychosis clinic * Psychiatrically stable and deemed appropriate for participation by a treating clinician * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to provide informed consent * Not fluent in English * History of antisocial behavior, as assessed at baseline * Immediate risk requiring a higher level of care
Interventions
- BehavioralBRAVE (Behavioral Response Against Violence Engagement)
BRAVE is a brief, manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based behavioral intervention designed to address modifiable risk factors associated with violence risk among young adults with early psychosis. The intervention is delivered as weekly sessions within early psychosis services and focuses on enhancing treatment engagement, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral coping strategies related to aggression and violence risk. Participants continue to receive treatment as usual throughout the study.
- OtherTreatment As Usual (TAU)
Treatment as usual consists of routine outpatient clinical care provided by early psychosis services, including psychiatric medication management and psychosocial services, as determined by the treating clinical team. No study-specific intervention is delivered during this condition.
Location
- Howard University HospitalWashington D.C., District of Columbia