Online therapy for adolescents with self-injurious behavior
TEENS Multi-site Trial
This study is testing an online therapy program to help teenagers aged 13-17 who struggle with self-injurious behavior feel better and manage their emotions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 356 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Aalborg and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05179655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The TEENS Multi-site Trial investigates the effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Individual Therapy for Adolescents (ERITA), an internet-based intervention designed to help adolescents aged 13-17 manage self-injurious behavior. This therapy will be provided as an add-on to standard treatment for young patients referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Denmark. The trial aims to enroll 356 families across three regions and assess outcomes such as the frequency of self-injury episodes, quality of life, and emotional regulation difficulties. The study seeks to address the lack of specific treatments for non-suicidal self-injury in youth populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 13-17 who have experienced multiple episodes of non-suicidal self-injury in the past year.
Not a fit: Patients who are at imminent risk of suicide or require immediate hospitalization will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide adolescents with effective tools to manage and reduce self-injurious behavior, potentially improving their overall mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that internet-based interventions guided by therapists can be effective for various psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 5 non-suicidal self-injury episodes in the past year and ≥ 1 non-suicidal self-injury episodes in the past month assessed by the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory, Youth version (DSHI-Y). * Age-appropriate literacy assessed by referring clinicians and the self-injury team, i.e. age between 13 and 17. * Having at least one parent committing to participate in the parent program. * Informed consent from parents/legal caretakers and assent from participants above 15 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: * Imminent suicidal risk assessed by clinicians during routine screening procedure (that can be rated as no risk, elevated risk, or imminent risk) in need of admission or other life saving strategies. * Lack of informed consent from parents/legal caretakers. * Lack of informed assent from the participant above 15 years of age.
Where this trial is running
Aalborg and 3 other locations
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services — Aalborg, Denmark (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Southern Region Denmark — Odense, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Region Zealand — Roskilde, Denmark (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Team for Self-injury, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, B195 — Copenhagen, Ø, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Britt Morthorst
- Email: britt.reuter.morthorst@regionh.dk
- Phone: 0045 27521085
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.