Parent group program using the Unified Protocol for teens with autism and anxiety/depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a feasibility study of a parent-mediated adaptation of the Unified Protocol for Adolescent Autism (UP-A-AST) aimed at youths aged 12-17 with ASD and anxiety and/or depressive disorders. The intervention uses CBT-based strategies to target shared emotional mechanisms and is delivered with structured parent involvement, alongside ongoing outpatient psychiatric care. Eligible participants are adolescents currently receiving treatment at a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry clinic and whose parents have completed or can complete a related psychoeducational program. The study will assess practicality, adherence, and preliminary signals of clinical benefit to inform larger trials.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents aged 12-17 years
* Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to DSM-IV, DSM-5, or ICD-10
* Current diagnosis of anxiety disorder and/or depressive disorder according to DSM-5
* Ongoing contact with a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (BUP) outpatient clinic
* Stable psychopharmacological treatment at the time of inclusion (if applicable)
* Parents has participated in a psychoeducational program on autism within child and adolescent psychiatric services, or is assessed by the clinician to have equivalent knowledge

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder, such as psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe eating disorder
* High suicide risk or suicide attempt within the past 12 months
* Severe self-injurious behavior
* Intellectual disability according to DSM-5
* The adolescent is primarily in need of basic interventions for autism spectrum disorder
* Parents are unable to attend all group sessions and/or lack the ability to engage in assigned home practice
* Need for an interpreter

Where it's running

• BUP- Specialmottagning, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
  Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Karin Melin, PhD — Sahlgrenska University Hospital
• Study coordinator: Karin Melin, PhD
• Email: karin.a.melin@vgregion.se
• Phone: +46730494348

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.