CBM-pa
We are looking to recruit participants who fit all of the following criteria:
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People with distressing paranoid thoughts for the last month, or longer
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English-speaking , between the ages of 18 and 65
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No recent (last 3 months) changes to any regular medication
There will be two sets of material and the participants will be randomly assigned to one or the other group. CBM-pa consists of six weekly sessions, during which participants will been shown different scenarios. The exercises involved will be interactive; for each CBM-pa scenario, participants will have to read three lines on a computer screen, completing missing words and answer questions about each scenario in a way that encourages more helpful beliefs about themselves and others.
In the computerised text-reading control condition participants will have exactly the same process, but will read a different scenario. The experience is identical, but content omits the active ingredient: resolution of an ambiguous situation in a benign/non-paranoid manner. Instead control participants read and respond to factual material.
The scenarios will be different for both the groups and as yet it is not known if there will be of any benefit to participants. If at the end of the study one procedure is found to be more helpful than the other in relieving paranoia, then anyone NOT allocated to that procedure will be offered the opportunity to receive it.
If you meet the criteria and wish to participate in the study, you will be paid £10 per session (£60 in total) and reimbursed up to £10 travel expenses per session (evidence of travel costs such as a receipt must be provided). A further £30 will be paid when you complete the last follow up.