Therapeutic chat and self-help modules to reduce child sexual abuse material use

Troubled Desire & Therapeutic Chat for Reduction of CSAM Use

NA · Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT06852443

This study is testing whether a chat service with a therapist and self-help tools can help people reduce their use of child sexual abuse material and improve their mental health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany (other)
Locations2 sites (Berlin and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06852443 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to prevent and reduce the consumption of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) through a combination of a Therapist Chat Service (TCS) and self-help modules based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Participants will be divided into groups receiving different interventions, including TCS only, self-help only, and a combination of both, with a waitlist control group for comparison. The effectiveness of these interventions will be evaluated based on reductions in CSAM behaviors and improvements in mental well-being over a four-week period. The study seeks to provide insights into the best approaches for addressing sexual behavioral disorders related to CSAM consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult men aged 18 and older who have recently engaged in CSAM use or have a self-reported risk of such behavior.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neuropsychiatric comorbidities or a history of contact CSA perpetration may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce CSAM consumption and improve mental health outcomes for individuals at risk.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting behavioral change in sexual behavior have shown promise, though this specific combination is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult participant (≥18 years);
* recent (last 2 weeks) CSAM use or past CSAM use and self-reported risk;
* proficiency in English, German or Spanish;
* voluntary participation and agreement to the terms of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe neuropsychiatric comorbidities (unstable psychotic disorder, organic brain damage, diminished intellectual functioning, untreated drug or alcohol addiction);
* history of contact CSA perpetration (past or present);
* ongoing criminal investigation, trial, punishment, or probation status for online or offline CSA or CSAM use;
* current inpatient psychiatric treatment or other concurrent treatment targeting CSAM behaviours

Where this trial is running

Berlin and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Prevention, Well Being, Sexual Behavior, Behavior Change, Behavior Problems, Behavior Change Interventions, Child Sexual Abuse Material Consumption, Behavioral Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.