Efficacy of Mentalization-Based Group Therapy for Adolescents: A Pilot
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Efficacy of Mentalization-Based Group Therapy for Adolescents: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
IRAS ID
182222
Contact name
Helen Griffiths
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Young people at risk of developing borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience significant emotional distress and loss of social function in the context of difficulties regulating their feelings, relationship problems and deliberate self-harm. The evidence base to date for effective intervention for these emerging difficulties is sparse.
We adapted a mentalization-based therapy manual originally developed for adults with BPD for our at risk adolescent population (MBT-A). Early evaluation during the initial pilot suggested that this treatment is acceptable to adolescents and may result in reduced self-harm and crisis presentations. We now aim to determine the acceptability and clinical efficacy of mentalization-based group therapy for adolescents through a pilot randomised controlled trial comparing MBT-A to treatment as usual (TAU).
We aim to recruit up to 60 young people aged 12-18 years from NHS Lothian child and adolescent mental health services. They will be randomised to either MBT-A group therapy plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Those offered MBT-A group therapy will receive up to 24 sessions of weekly group therapy. Measures will be taken at baseline, 12 weeks, post-treatment and 3 month follow-up. An additional measure will be completed every 6 weeks. Measures will be carried out by an independent research assistant.
We aim to determine whether the intervention is acceptable to young people, and whether it is feasible to recruit to randomisation. We will also ask whether there are trends towards reduced self-harm and fewer crisis presentations in the MBT-A plus TAU group compared to TAU alone. We will determine the effectiveness of recruitment strategies; response rates and attrition; the suitability of protocol/procedures and our population's compliance with these; and the nature of the TAU intervention. We will also report on safety information. Results will inform a definitive future RCT and determine whether there is potential for wider service implementation.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
15/SS/0142
Date of REC Opinion
27 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion