Cognitive behavioral program for youth with childhood-onset lupus

Transforming Behavioral Healthcare to Improve the Quality of Life for Individuals With Childhood-onset Lupus

NA · Michigan State University · NCT06232304

This study is testing a new program that teaches coping skills to help young people with childhood-onset lupus manage their pain, fatigue, and feelings of depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment175 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 22 Years
SexAll
SponsorMichigan State University (other)
Locations7 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06232304 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of the Treatment and Education Approach for Childhood-onset Lupus (TEACH) program, which integrates cognitive behavioral coping skills into medical care for youth diagnosed with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). The TEACH program aims to help participants manage fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms through a tailored 6-session intervention delivered either in person or remotely. The study builds on preliminary findings from a multi-site randomized controlled trial that suggests TEACH can improve psychological and functional outcomes for these patients. By incorporating this program into existing rheumatology care, the study seeks to enhance the quality of life for adolescents and young adults affected by cSLE.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 12 to 22 years diagnosed with cSLE who experience fatigue, depressive symptoms, or pain.

Not a fit: Patients with other chronic medical conditions, severe cognitive impairments, or untreated major psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and overall quality of life for patients with childhood-onset lupus.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar cognitive behavioral approaches for managing chronic conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\) be diagnosed with cSLE, meeting the revised American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for SLE by age 18 years
* 2\) be between the ages of 12 and 22 years
* 3\) in recognition of the heterogeneity of cSLE symptoms, have elevations in fatigue (i.e., T scores ≥60; or at least moderate symptoms, on the PROMIS measure) OR depressive symptoms (≥5 on the PHQ-9, T Score ≥ 60 on the BDI or CDI II ), OR pain (i.e., average pain ≥3 out of 10 on the Pain VAS)
* 4\) have English language proficiency (their primary caregiver can have English or Spanish language proficiency for the child to enroll)
* 5\) those under age 18 years (US), or 16 years (Canada) must have a consenting caregiver

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) other chronic medical conditions (e.g., juvenile arthritis)
* 2\) a documented developmental delay, severe cognitive impairment, or thought disorder
* 3\) an untreated major psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe depression (PHQ9 score ≥21, BDI/CDI II \> 90) or active suicidal ideation (SI), based on the Pediatric Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) items plus clinical interview; see Measures section)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of Childhood, lupus, depression, depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain, SLE, rheumatic disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.