Investigating the effectiveness of Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy for juveniles with antisocial behavior
The Effectiveness of Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy: a Multiple Case Experimental Design
This study tests if a new therapy called Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy can help young people with serious antisocial behavior become less aggressive and improve their family relationships.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Utrecht University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Utrecht and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06032520 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy (FAST) in reducing aggression and improving family dynamics among juveniles aged 12 to 21 with severe antisocial behavior. Utilizing a Multiple Case Experimental Design, the research will assess changes in aggression levels, client-defined goals, and family functioning before, during, and after the intervention. The study will involve 15 juveniles and their caregivers, focusing on the mediating factors that contribute to successful outcomes. The approach is tailored to address both individual and systemic factors affecting the juvenile's behavior.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are juveniles aged 12 to 21 with a diagnosis of a behavioral disorder and significant externalizing behaviors impacting multiple life areas.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria or have low motivation for treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce aggressive behaviors in juveniles and improve family relationships.
How similar studies have performed: While similar therapeutic approaches have shown promise, this specific application of FAST is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
FAST therapists determine whether clients meet inclusion and exclusion criteria of FAST during the standard intake procedure of FAST. The FAST inclusion criteria are: 1. Juvenile has an estimated IQ-score of 80 or higher and/or sufficient adaptive skills to benefit from FAST; 2. Juvenile is aged 12 to 21 years old at the start of the intervention; 3. Juvenile exhibits externalizing behavior resulting in problems in at least two life areas (family, school, or leisure time), determined by clinical impressions based on information from intake and/or referrer information; 4. Juvenile has a medium to high recidivism risk, measured by the Risk Assessment Instrument for Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Care Youth (RAF GGZ Youth); 5. Presence of juvenile-caregiver relationship problems, measured by the RAF GGZ Youth; 6. Juvenile has a diagnosis of a DSM-5 behavioral disorder, which is determined using a new diagnostic process or case file analysis; 7. Juvenile and caregiver(s) cannot be motivated to follow treatment at the treatment site after multiple attempts by the therapist; 8. Juvenile resides with their caregiver(s) or is expected to return to residing with their caregiver(s) within the first two months of FAST. The FAST exclusion criteria are: 1. Juvenile exhibits severe psychiatric symptoms requiring admission; 2. Problem behavior of the juvenile is caused primarily by substance abuse problems and it is expected that treatment of the substance abuse problems will decrease the problem behavior; 3. The safety of the family members or therapist cannot be sufficiently guaranteed. To be eligible for participation in this study, one modified study inclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile has primary aggression and/or anger problems (approximately 80% of referred juveniles). In addition, one study exclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile is in secure residential care or confined in a correctional or detention facility at start of the intervention.
Where this trial is running
Utrecht and 1 other locations
- de Waag — Utrecht, Netherlands (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Utrecht University — Utrecht, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marjolein van Cappellen
- Email: s.m.vancappellen@uu.nl
- Phone: +31621944124
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.