Can 'Mentalization' curb teen violence? major UK trial launches

NCT ID NCT07091721

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Anna Freud Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new type of talking therapy called mentalization-based therapy (MBT) for young people aged 10-17 who struggle with aggressive or violent behavior. The therapy aims to help them understand their own feelings and those of others. Half of the 632 participants will receive MBT plus their usual care, while the other half will receive only usual care. The study will compare the two groups after six months to see if MBT helps reduce aggression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mentalization based therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a new, effective therapy to help young people control aggressive and violent behavior.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively early-stage trial, and the therapy may not prove more effective than usual support. Results depend on self-reported questionnaires, which can be unreliable.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Adolescent Behavior Aggression conduct disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR CHILDREN BEHAVIOR CONDUCT DISORDER MENTALIZATION BASED THERAPY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

East of England Community FCAMHS Team, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Cambridge, CB21 5EF, United Kingdom
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Southampton, Calmore, SO40 2RZ, United Kingdom
North London Forensic CAMHS, North London NHS Foundation Trust
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

London, NW3 5BA, United Kingdom
South Central Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITING

Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
South West (North) Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITING

Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
South West FCAMHS, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITING

Taunton, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom
The North East and North Cumbria Community Forensic Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITING

Newcastle upon Tyne, Upon Tyne and Wear, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
Yorkshire and Humber FCAMHS, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITING

Wakefield, Ouchthorpe Lane, WF1 3SP, United Kingdom

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