Problem-solving treatment for youth with challenging behaviors in treatment homes

Randomized Controlled Study of PR-ESSENCE - a Problem Solving Model for Youth With Challenging Behavior in Special (SiS) Treatment Homes

Not applicable Interventional Göteborg University · NCT04505072

This study is testing a new problem-solving treatment for young people aged 12-17 with challenging behaviors living in treatment homes to see if it helps them improve more than standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorGöteborg University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gothenburg, V. Gotaland)
Trial IDNCT04505072 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the PR-ESSENCE treatment model, which focuses on problem-solving strategies for youth aged 12-17 with challenging behaviors residing in treatment homes. The study involves a randomized controlled design, where participants will receive either the PR-ESSENCE treatment or standard care for 10 weeks, followed by assessments of behavioral improvements. The trial aims to include 60-70 youth and will measure outcomes using various behavioral assessment tools at multiple time points. The approach is based on previous successful trials that demonstrated significant improvements in similar populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 12-17 with significant problem behaviors who have been in treatment homes for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities, severe psychiatric conditions, or those not meeting the behavioral criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve behavioral outcomes for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders in treatment settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using the PR-ESSENCE model have shown significant improvements in behavior problems, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Youth with problem behaviors, placed for at least 3 months in the youth treatment homes Nereby (boys) and Bjorkbacken (girls).
2. Age 12-17 years
3. Intellectual function in the normal range according to WISC-test and clinical judgment
4. Problem behavior score of at least 5 points in one week on the Broset Violence Checklist (BVC). Score is measured during 2 weeks before screening
5. Medium to high-risk score on the YLS/CMI behavior problem domain 7
6. Psychotropic medication is allowed if stable during one month before baseline and during the randomized period of the trial

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Intellectual disability, bipolar syndrome, psychosis, substance use, or other unstable psychiatric or medical condition that would make study participation unsuitable

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg, V. Gotaland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Behavior ProblemsNeurodevelopmental Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.