Culturally adapted intervention for self-harm in individuals with substance use disorder in Pakistan

Culturally Adapted Manually Assisted Problem-Solving Intervention (CMAP) Plus CBT Based Motivational Interviewing for Self-Harm in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder in Pakistan: a Feasibility RCT

Not applicable Interventional Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning · NCT05476601

This study is testing a new therapy called CMAP Plus to see if it helps people in Pakistan with substance use disorder who self-harm, compared to those who only get standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPakistan Institute of Living and Learning Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore)
Trial IDNCT05476601 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral intervention called CMAP Plus for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) who engage in self-harm. It will involve a mixed-method feasibility randomized controlled trial conducted across six major cities in Pakistan, recruiting 80 participants from hospitals and addiction rehabilitation centers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CMAP Plus intervention alongside standard treatment or standard treatment alone, with the intervention consisting of 12 weekly sessions delivered by trained therapists. The study will also explore participants' experiences with the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 and above, diagnosed with substance use disorder, and who have experienced self-harm in the last three months.

Not a fit: Patients with other mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce self-harm behaviors in individuals with substance use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is culturally adapted, similar interventions have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 and above.
* Individuals diagnosed with SUD on DSM-5 criteria of mental disorders.
* Having episodes of self-harm in last three months defined as a deliberate act to harm one's own body including but not limited to self-cutting, self-biting, self-poisoning, self-scratching, self-burning, self-hitting, pulling hair etc. assessed by deliberate self-harm inventory.
* Capable to give informed consent.
* Those who have completed detoxification process.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with DSM-5 criteria of mental disorder other than SUD; due to a general medical condition or dementia, delirium, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, learning disability or any other condition to the extent that engagement in the intervention would not be possible, e.g. communication difficulties.
* Unlikely to be available for outcome assessments (temporary residence).

Where this trial is running

Lahore

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.
Conditions Self HarmSubstance-Related Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.