Recruiting

Group Intervention for Romantic Relationships in Young Adults With Severe Mental Illness

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07316803

PhaseNA

Enrollment20

SponsorCentre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Severe Mental Illness, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder

About this study

This study evaluates a group-based intervention designed to improve romantic and social relationship skills in adults living with a severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. Many adults with SMI experience loneliness, social isolation, and difficulties forming romantic relationships, even though most express a strong desire for intimacy. These challenges may be related to social skill difficulties, stigma, low self-esteem, and limited opportunities to develop healthy relationships. The "À deux, c'est mieux" (Better Together) program is a structured 12-session group intervention focused on developing communication skills, emotional regulation, social understanding, and healthy romantic relationship behaviors. Sessions are led by trained mental health professionals and take place in small groups. Participants will complete assessments before starting the program, at the end of the 12 sessions, and three months later. The study will examine changes in romantic relationship skills, quality of life, loneliness, self-esteem, self-stigma, and recovery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this intervention improves romantic and social functioning and overall well-being, and whether it is acceptable and relevant for adults living with severe mental illness.

Interventions

Behavioral: À deux, c'est mieux (Better Together) Group Intervention — The "À deux, c'est mieux" intervention is a manualized, group-based psychosocial program consisting of 12 weekly sessions. The program targets the development of romantic relationship skills, including communication, emotional regulation, social cognition, and intimacy-related behaviors. Sessions follow a progressive structure, beginning with relationship initiation and communication skills and gradually addressing more sensitive topics such as emotional intimacy, attachment-related anxiety, and sexuality. The intervention is inclusive of sexual and gender diversity and is delivered by trained mental health professionals in groups of 4 to 6 participants.

Primary outcomes

Change in Romantic Relationship Functioning (Baseline (pre-intervention), end of the 12-session intervention, and 3-month follow-up)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Diagnosis of a severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder) * Currently single * Motivated to improve romantic and social relationships and to pursue a romantic relationship * Received mental health care within the past two years * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to speak or read French * Currently receiving acute or crisis-level psychiatric care * Unable to comply with study procedures or group rules (e.g., maintaining sobriety during sessions)

Study locations

HDJ (Hôpital de Jour), Épinay-sur-Seine, Île-de-France Region 93800 France
L'UNIRRE (Unité Référente de Réhabilitation), Neuilly-sur-Marne, Île-de-France Region 93330 France

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.