The Efficacy of a Compassion Focused Therapy-based Intervention in Detained Youth (NCT03971682) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
The Efficacy of a Compassion Focused Therapy-based Intervention in Detained Youth
Portugal150 participantsStarted 2018-03-01
Plain-language summary
This non-randomized controlled trial with a control group aimed to assess the efficacy of a 20-session individualized Compassion Focused Therapy-based intervention, the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, in reducing psychopathic traits (primary outcomes), aggression, shame, emotion regulation problems, and fears of compassion, as well as in increasing social safeness, self-compassion, and compassion towards others (secondary outcomes). The PSYCHOPATHY.COMP's impact on psychophysiological (i.e., Heart Rate/Heart Rate Variability) and behavioral indicators (i.e., number disciplinary infractions and number of days in punishment) were also tested, in order to ascertain if changes observed in self-report questionnaires were reflected in more adjusted psychophysiological and behavioral patterns. Mental Health disorders, as well as the number of Conduct Disorder criteria, were also tested as moderators of treatment effects.
Who can participate
Age range
14 Years – 18 Years
Sex
MALE
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:
* Detained youth aged between 14 and 18 years old
* Presence of Conduct Disorder as the main diagnosis (MINI-KID)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Non-Portuguese speaking (to avoid communication issues);
* Remaining in the juvenile detention facility less than 12 months since the beginning of the program (taking into account PSYCHOPATHY.COMP length and assessment period)
* Presence of cognitive disabilities (because PSYCHOPATHY.COMP is not suitable for cognitively-impaired youth)
* Presence of psychotic symptoms (the experiential exercises used in the program are contraindicated for psychotic patients)
* Presence of autism spectrum disorders (because PSYCHOPATHY.COMP was not designed considering the social impairments of these youth).
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.