Emotion Regulation Intervention for Self-Harm in Children

Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to develop and test an outpatient intervention for preadolescents (ages 7-12) with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs).

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Are the recruitment targets and study design feasible?

2. Is the new intervention feasible, acceptable, and appropriate?

3. Does the new intervention lead to more improvements in SITBs, mental health symptoms, and treatment targets relative to treatment as usual (TAU)?

In Phase 1 (pre-implementation, months 1-6), enrolled preadolescent and caregiver dyads will receive TAU. In Phase 2 (post-implementation, months 7-13), enrolled dyads will receive the newly-developed SITB intervention. Participants will be recruited through referrals from the psychiatric emergency department at Children's Hospital Colorado. Participants will:

1. Complete an initial baseline assessment to determine eligibility and assess SITBs, mental health symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion regulation

2. Participate in an intervention lasting 6-12 weeks, including weekly or biweekly sessions

3. Complete additional assessments at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up

4. Participate in an interview sharing their perceptions of the intervention

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children ages 7-12 who have had self-injurious thoughts or behaviors in the past month, can attend weekly sessions (in-person or online), have a caregiver able to participate, and have an estimated verbal IQ of at least 70.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had at least one self-injurious behavior episode in the last month.
I have at least one caregiver or legal guardian who can participate.
My estimated verbal IQ is 70 or above.
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What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Preadolescent SITB Intervention
  • Treatment as usual (TAU)

Trial Overview

The study compares a new outpatient program focused on emotion regulation and executive functioning with standard treatment. Children are assigned to either the usual care group or the new intervention group for about 6-12 weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Preadolescent SITB InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Treatment as Usual (TAU)Active Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Denver

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,842
Recruited
3,028,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+