Group schema therapy for adolescents with borderline symptoms
The Effectiveness of Group Schema Therapy Utilizing Video Material in the Treatment of Borderline Symptoms in Adolescents: A Randomized and Controlled Intervention Study
This program will test whether group schema therapy using self-recorded video exercises helps adolescents aged 15–18 with borderline symptoms compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Turku University Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Turku, Southwest Finland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06606002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled intervention in which about 64 adolescents (aged 15–18) are assigned to either group schema therapy or treatment as usual. The therapy follows the Farrell & Shaw group schema model and includes 30 group sessions, 8 individual sessions, and parent group meetings, with an experiential VideoTalk component using self-recorded videos. Participants are recruited from the Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at Turku University Hospital and must meet at least three SCID-II criteria for borderline personality disorder; those with psychosis, serious suicide risk, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or primary substance use disorders are excluded. Outcomes compare symptom change and functioning between the schema therapy and usual-care groups over the course of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescents aged 15–18 treated at Turku University Hospital who meet at least three SCID‑II criteria for borderline personality disorder, can attend sessions and complete materials in Finnish, and are not at high suicide risk are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Adolescents with active psychosis, serious suicide risk, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, primary substance use disorders, or those unable to participate in Finnish or attend sessions are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce borderline symptoms and improve emotional regulation, daily functioning, and relationships for adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Group schema therapy and the Farrell & Shaw model have shown promise in adults with BPD, but randomized evidence in adolescents is limited, so this application to teens is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The participant fulfills at least three diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder as assessed by means of the SCID-II structured clinical interview * The participant and the participant's parent(s) are able to commit to the research protocol for the entire duration of the study * The participant is able to participate in a research intervention in Finnish and fill out the study questionnaires in Finnish Exclusion Criteria: * The participant currently has psychotic symptoms or a serious risk of suicide * The participant has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder * The main clinical diagnosis of the participant is a substance abuse disorder or substance use would endanger commitment to the research intervention * The participant has another illness or symptom that endangers the participant's ability to complete the study * The participant receives some other treatment specifically aimed at borderline personality disorder symptoms
Where this trial is running
Turku, Southwest Finland
- Turku University Hospital — Turku, Southwest Finland, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Max Karukivi, MD, PhD — University of Turku
- Study coordinator: Max Karukivi, MD, PhD
- Email: max.karukivi@utu.fi
- Phone: +358 2 313 0000
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.