Could a tailored DBT program help autistic adults manage emotions and reduce crises?
NCT ID NCT07021274
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, adapted for autistic adults, is feasible and helpful for those with emotion regulation difficulties. The program uses simplified language, more visuals, autism-relevant examples, and hands-on practice. Researchers will measure changes in emotion regulation, coping skills, and participation rates in 15 autistic adults.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training adapted for autism
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a tailored treatment option for autistic adults who struggle with emotion regulation, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing self-harm.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The adapted DBT program may not be effective or acceptable for all autistic individuals.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Fit general inclusion criteria for the out- patient treatment at the clinic. * Have diagnosed autism, and pervasive difficulties in emotion regulation. * Speak Scandinavian (Norwegian, Danish and/or Swedish). * Manage to commit to participating in the DBT- skills training. * Be willing to sign the written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Have a clinically significant low linguistic functioning that hinders the patient in understanding and answering the questions on the self-report instruments. * Being actively psychotic. * Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 17. * Cognitive disability Intelliganve quotient (IQ) \<85
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Outpatient psychiatric unit - More and Romsdal Health Trust
RECRUITINGMolde, 6416, Norway
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