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May 7, 2026Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice1 citationsOpen Access

Pilot Study of Behavioral Activation Treatment for Negative Symptoms in Older Adults With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

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SSStephen F. SmagulaJGJessica M. GannonFFFabio Ferrarelli

Key Points

  • To assess the feasibility and proof-of-concept of behavioral activation for improving negative symptoms in older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
  • Pilot study design
  • Target population: older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder
  • Intervention: behavioral activation treatment for negative symptoms
  • Evaluation of health improvements and function
  • Behavioral activation treatment demonstrated feasibility in older adults
  • Improvement in negative symptoms and function observed
  • Changes in putative targets correlated with health improvements

Abstract

Behavioral activation (BA) is an established treatment for depression in older adults, yet BA has been relatively less examined as a treatment for the negative symptoms (NS) of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). We here aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and proof‐of‐concept that BA can improve NS and function in older adults with SSD. We also evaluated if changes in putative targets correlate with health improvements.

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Cite This Study

Smagula et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fbe2b3164b5133a91a22c2https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20250178
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Effectiveness of Non-Face-to-Face Behavioral Activation Treatment for Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: A Prospective, Non-Randomized Study2026
  2. 2Australian trial of behavioural activation for people with schizophrenia experiencing negative symptoms: a feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol2024
  3. 3Engage! a pilot study of a brief behavioural activation program to promote engagement and well-being in older adults2024 · 1 citations
  4. 4Depressive symptomatology in older adults treated with behavioral activation: A network perspective2024 · 1 citations
  5. 5The development and pilot testing of a behavioral activation-based treatment for depressed mood and multiple health behavior change in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome2022 · 8 citations