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

NCT ID NCT07091721

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

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

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Cambridge, CB21 5EF, United Kingdom

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Southampton, Calmore, SO40 2RZ, United Kingdom

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • North London Forensic CAMHS, North London NHS Foundation Trust

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    London, NW3 5BA, United Kingdom

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • South Central Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

    RECRUITING

    Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • South West (North) Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

    RECRUITING

    Headington, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • South West FCAMHS, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

    RECRUITING

    Taunton, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • 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

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Yorkshire and Humber FCAMHS, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

    RECRUITING

    Wakefield, Ouchthorpe Lane, WF1 3SP, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••