Enhancing Motivation in Recent Onset Schizophrenia

This project will result in the development of a personalized intervention strategy to
improve motivation for treatment engagement and functional outcomes in individuals with a
recent onset of schizophrenia. Motivational impairment is arguably the single most important
factor that determines a patient's ability to engage in and adhere to effective treatment.
In our study, sixty participants will be enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing
the feasibility and tolerability of two types of motivational interventions (Daily Goals or
PRIME), and a neuroplasticity-based cognitive training program. Participants are randomized
to either receive Daily Goals or PRIME for 8 weeks, after which, both conditions will also
receive an 8-week course of cognitive training delivered via iPads. Participants will
undergo pre/post-testing and a 6-month follow-up to determine feasibility and efficacy of
the interventions. By enhancing motivation, schizophrenia patients would be able to engage
more fully with treatment and develop full and productive lives. This study may also pave
the way forward for other health conditions in which motivational impairments impede health
outcomes.

All assessments will be conducted at the University of California, San Francisco; however,
we offer some assessments to be done remotely.