UnknownNot Applicable

Online Psychosocial Support for Young People With a Visible Difference: A Randomised Control Study

Norway130 participantsStarted 2016-04-01

Plain-language summary

A visible difference can have a profound impact in a society with a massive emphasis on appearance and "looks". A vulnerable group is adolescents with a condition affecting their appearance as a result of injuries (burns, accidents), treatment (cancer), skin conditions or congenital anomalies (birthmarks, craniofacial conditions). Research has identified potential psychological difficulties, which, if not addressed, can lead to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. In addition to medical treatment options, aiming at diminishing a difference that may be visible to others, young people with appearance concerns also need self-management skills. However, evidence-based interventions are scarce and specialised psychological treatment is difficult to reach. The Centre for Appearance Research (Bristol, UK) has developed an online intervention for adolescents, now translated into Norwegian (www.ungfaceit.no). UNG Face IT provides easy access to specialist advice and support via a home computer, using information, videos, and interactive activities. It provides advice, teaches coping and social skills, strengthening psychological adjustment to a visible difference. A systematic evaluation of the Norwegian version is needed. UNG Face IT could potentially address unmet needs, provide a cost-effective tool to reduce the need for "face-to-face" psychological and surgical/medical services, and contribute to make online health care available for young people with a visible difference.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 12-17 with an appearance-altering condition, and experiencing appearance-related distress, teasing, or bullying * Access to a home computer/tablet and internet * Reading level \> 12 years of age. Audio recordings for all written text available on the website for those who may struggle with reading * Normal/corrected-to-normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical depression, psychosis, eating disorder (alternative support necessary) * Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or within 12 months of traumatic injury (alternative support necessary) * Learning disability that would impede understanding of the programme's content * Currently receiving psychological intervention

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Body Esteem Scale (BES)

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03165331

SponsorOslo University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Skin Condition trials