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

NCT ID NCT05523544

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.

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.

personality disorder Personality Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • VUB

    Brussels, Belgium