Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders Without Intellectual Disability: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT04737707

This study is testing if Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders who struggle with emotions and self-harm feel better and improve their mental health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT04737707 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in reducing emotional dysregulation and self-harm behaviors in adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who do not have intellectual disabilities. The study will involve a randomized controlled design over a 5-month period, focusing on participants who have experienced suicidal thoughts or self-harm in the six months prior to enrollment. The aim is to assess whether DBT can provide significant improvements in emotional regulation and overall mental health for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of ASD, an IQ of 70 or above, and a history of self-harm or suicidal behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing other forms of therapy such as CBT or DBT, or those with schizophrenia disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve emotional regulation and reduce self-harm behaviors in adults with ASD.

How similar studies have performed: While DBT has been effective in treating various disorders, this specific application for adults with ASD is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years old
* ASD diagnosis according to the DSM-5
* IQ ≥ 70
* Suicidal ideas, suicidal attempts and/or self-harm behaviors 6 months prior to the inclusion
* Able to understand and consent to the research aims
* Membership in a health insurance fund

Exclusion Criteria:

* complete hospitalization
* ongoing CBT or DBT
* past DBT
* schizophrenia disorders
* under guardianship

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

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 Autism Spectrum Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.