Study of the Effectiveness of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intention in the Management of Apathy in Schizophrenia

Randomized, Controlled Study of the Effectiveness of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intention in the Management of Apathy in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental pathology that concerns 1% of the French population, characterized by heterogeneity of symptoms. One of them, apathy is defined as a multidimensional psychopathological state manifested by a decrease in motivation. This deficit is most common in schizophrenia and impacts the functional outcome of patients. To date, no treatment has shown a significant effect on this symptom. In other pathologies with a motivational deficit, the technique of Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intention (CM-II) showed interesting effects in improving motivation, reducing the effort related to the action.

The investigators aim to propose the CM-II technique to individuals with schizophrenia to improve apathy.

The investigators expected that the CM-II technique will allow an improvement of apathy which will have beneficial effects on other psychological factors (e.g., depressive symptoms). In addition, the implementation of the CM-II will provide help to global management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 and < 60 years old
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM 5 criteria.
• Score greater than or equal to -18 on the Lille Apathy Rating Scale
• Ability to understand and speak French.
• Obligation to belong to or be a beneficiary of a social security scheme.
• Signature of the consent. If the participant has a representative, signature by the representative.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of head injuries or neurological pathologies.
• Current treatment with sismotherapy or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).
• Treatment targeted at and/or influencing negative symptoms (CBT, cognitive remediation), or therapeutic trial.
• Participant under safeguard of justice.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding woman.