Effectiveness of ACT for problematic chemsex
Effectiveness of a Group Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Address Problematic Chemsex Through a Randomized Clinical Trial
This study tests whether an online therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help people struggling with problematic chemsex behaviors feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad Europea de Madrid Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Villaviciosa De Odón, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT06406296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a psychological intervention for individuals experiencing problematic chemsex behaviors. Participants will undergo an 8-session online-delivered ACT treatment, with assessments conducted through self-report instruments before and after the intervention, as well as at a 3-month follow-up. The study includes a control group to compare outcomes and ensure the validity of the results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Spanish-speaking adults over 18 who have used psychoactive substances to enhance sexual experiences and experience significant discomfort related to their sexual practices.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving psychological or psychopharmacological treatment, or those with intellectual disabilities or serious mental disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the mental health and sexual well-being of individuals struggling with problematic chemsex behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on ACT specifically for chemsex, similar therapeutic approaches have shown promise in treating compulsive sexual behaviors in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * older than 18 years-old * Spanish speaking * having used psychoactive substances to facilitate, maintain and/or improve sexual relations in the last year * significant score on the HBI Inventory (of 53 or more) * clinically significant discomfort related to sexual practices * degree of interference in his/her life of sexual practices greater than or equal to 5 out of 10 * desire to improve/reduce excessive sexual behaviour Exclusion Criteria: * receiving psychological or psychopharmacological treatment * intellectual disability * substance dependence (use not associated with sex) * personality disorder or other serious or chronic mental disorder diagnosed
Where this trial is running
Villaviciosa De Odón, Madrid
- Universidad Europea de Madrid — Villaviciosa De Odón, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Francisco Montesinos, Ph.D. — Universidad Europea de Madrid
- Study coordinator: Francisco Montesinos, Ph.D.
- Email: francisco.montesinos@universidadeuropea.es
- Phone: +34647413773
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.