Using Mentalization Based Therapy to Support Children and Adolescents Referred to Specialist Mental Health Services in the NHS for Aggressive and/or Violent Behaviour
The MICA study is investigating a new type of support called mentalisation-based therapy (MBT) for young people aged 10-17. This therapy helps young people understand their own feelings and actions, as well as those of others, to reduce aggressive or violent behaviour. It's being offered in specialist NHS mental health services (FCAMHS) across England. The study will compare MBT, given alongside standard care, with standard care alone, to find out which approach is most effective. Young people who take part will complete questionnaires at the start and end of a six-month period. Some may also be asked for an interview. This research aims to improve support for vulnerable young people involved with these services.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research, called the MICA study, is looking into a new way to help young people aged 10 to 17 who are receiving care from specialist NHS mental health services (FCAMHS) because of aggressive or violent behaviour. These services support some of the most vulnerable young people in the country, who sometimes also have contact with other professionals like the Youth Justice System.
The new approach being tested is called mentalisation-based therapy, or MBT. Simply put, MBT helps young people make sense of their own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and also understand why others might behave or feel the way they do. The idea is that by understanding themselves and others better, young people can learn to manage their feelings and react in less aggressive ways. Therapists meet regularly with the young person, and sometimes parents or carers can join in too.
To see if MBT is helpful, this study will compare it to the support young people usually receive from FCAMHS. Half the young people taking part will continue with their usual care, while the other half will receive their usual care plus the new MBT. By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to discover the most effective way to help young people deal with aggressive and violent behaviours, ultimately aiming to improve the support available to them.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new therapy (MBT) for aggressive/violent behaviour.
- Aimed at young people aged 10-17 in specialist NHS mental health services.
- Compares MBT plus usual care, to usual care alone.
- Participation involves questionnaires and potentially an interview.
- Voluntary; you can withdraw at any time without affecting care.
- Aims to improve support for vulnerable young people in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people who are aged between 10 and 17 years old at the time they are referred to specialist NHS mental health services. A key part of being considered for the study is if there are concerns about aggressive or violent behaviour. It's also important that both the young person (and their parent/carer if they are 10-15) can understand what the study involves and agree to take part. They should also be living in the community, not in a hospital, residential care, or secure setting, with no immediate plans to move.
There are also some reasons why a young person might not be able to take part. For example, if they are younger than 10 or 18 or older when referred, or if there's no evidence of aggressive or violent behaviour. They also need to be able to speak and understand English well enough to take part in the therapy, and they shouldn't already be involved in another similar research study about therapy.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged between 10 and 17 years?
- Have you been referred to specialist NHS mental health services for aggressive or violent behaviour?
- Are you able to speak and understand English?
- Are you currently living at home (not in a hospital or residential care)?
- Are you willing to complete questionnaires about your feelings and experiences?
What does participation involve?
If you or a young person you know takes part in this study, the first step will be to complete a questionnaire. This will help the researchers understand how young people are doing at the start. For the next six months, half of the young people will continue to receive the usual support from their specialist NHS mental health service, while the other half will receive this usual support along with the new mentalisation-based therapy (MBT).
After six months, everyone involved will be asked to complete the same questionnaire again to see if there have been any changes. Some young people will also be invited to have an optional interview. This interview is a chance for them to share their experiences and thoughts about the research, which is very valuable for helping the researchers understand what worked well. Taking part in the study will last for a total of six months, plus the initial and final questionnaires, and potentially an interview.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (8)
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeSouthampton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Yorkshire and Humber FCAMHS, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeWakefield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- South Central Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeHeadington, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- South West (North) Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeHeadington, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The North East and North Cumbria Community Forensic Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- East of England Community FCAMHS Team, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- North London Forensic CAMHS, North London NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- South West FCAMHS, Somerset NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeTaunton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)?
MBT is a type of talk therapy that helps young people understand their own thoughts and feelings, and those of other people, to help them manage their reactions better.
Who is running this study?
This study is called the MICA Study and it's a research project designed by experts to find the best ways to support young people in NHS mental health services.
Will my regular support be affected if I take part?
No, your regular support from NHS mental health services will continue as usual, regardless of whether you choose to take part in this study or not.
What if I don't want to talk about my experiences in an interview?
The interview part is entirely optional. If you are invited, you can choose whether or not you'd like to take part, and it won't affect your involvement in the rest of the study.
How long does the study last?
The main part of the study involves receiving support for six months, along with an initial and final questionnaire.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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