Can family therapy tame teen aggression? new study says maybe
NCT ID NCT06032520
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether a therapy called FAST (Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy) helps teens aged 12-21 with conduct disorder or aggressive behavior. The therapy involves weekly sessions with the teen and their caregivers for several months. Researchers measured changes in aggression, family conflict, and personal goals. The study included 21 participants and has already been completed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy (FAST) - a behavioral therapy involving weekly sessions for teens and caregivers
- What this could lead to
- If effective, FAST could offer a structured therapy option to reduce aggression and improve family relationships in teens with behavioral issues.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy is intensive and may not work for all teens.
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.
- Participants
-
21 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study population includes juveniles that will receive FAST. FAST is offered by de Waag, an outpatient forensic mental health care center in the Netherlands.
- Ages
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12 to 21 years
- Sex
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Anyone
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.
FAST therapists determine whether clients meet inclusion and exclusion criteria of FAST during the standard intake procedure of FAST. The FAST inclusion criteria are: 1. Juvenile has an estimated IQ-score of 80 or higher and/or sufficient adaptive skills to benefit from FAST; 2. Juvenile is aged 12 to 21 years old at the start of the intervention; 3. Juvenile exhibits externalizing behavior resulting in problems in at least two life areas (family, school, or leisure time), determined by clinical impressions based on information from intake and/or referrer information; 4. Juvenile has a medium to high recidivism risk, measured by the Risk Assessment Instrument for Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Care Youth (RAF GGZ Youth); 5. Presence of juvenile-caregiver relationship problems, measured by the RAF GGZ Youth; 6. Juvenile has a diagnosis of a DSM-5 behavioral disorder, which is determined using a new diagnostic process or case file analysis; 7. Juvenile and caregiver(s) cannot be motivated to follow treatment at the treatment site after multiple attempts by the therapist; 8. Juvenile resides with their caregiver(s) or is expected to return to residing with their caregiver(s) within the first two months of FAST. The FAST exclusion criteria are: 1. Juvenile exhibits severe psychiatric symptoms requiring admission; 2. Problem behavior of the juvenile is caused primarily by substance abuse problems and it is expected that treatment of the substance abuse problems will decrease the problem behavior; 3. The safety of the family members or therapist cannot be sufficiently guaranteed. To be eligible for participation in this study, one modified study inclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile has primary aggression and/or anger problems (approximately 80% of referred juveniles). In addition, one study exclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile is in secure residential care or confined in a correctional or detention facility at start of the intervention.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands
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de Waag
Utrecht, Netherlands
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