Can talk therapy cut crime risk in people with personality disorders?

NCT ID NCT05523544

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether schema therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help people with personality disorders who are in outpatient forensic care. Five participants received therapy for up to two years. Researchers measured changes in their thinking patterns, risk of re-offending, and overall personality functioning. The goal was to see if this therapy could improve their lives and reduce future legal trouble.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: schema therapy (a type of psychotherapy)
What this could lead to: If this therapy works, it could help reduce the risk of re-offending and improve personality functioning in people with personality disorders who are in outpatient forensic care.
What could go wrong: This is a very small study (only 5 participants) with no control group, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy is long-term (up to 2 years) and requires commitment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

personality disorder Personality Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

VUB

Brussels, Belgium

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.