Personalised treatment packages for adults with a learning disability
Between 10% and 25% of adults with learning disabilities experience times where they show aggressive behaviour. This can be distressing and often leads to being left out of activities, family strain, or being given strong medicines. The PETAL programme aims to change this by creating a personalised care package tailored to the individual. Funded by the NHS, this study tests whether this tailored therapy works better than standard care. Local community learning disability teams will deliver the programme alongside families and paid carers. The goal is to understand the root causes of distress and find practical ways to support each person. If successful, this therapy could be used across the NHS to help adults with learning disabilities live calmer, happier lives in their communities.
At a glance
What is this study about?
For many adults with a learning disability, showing anger or aggression is a way of communicating unmet needs or deep distress. It is estimated that up to one in four adults with a learning disability may show aggressive behaviour at times. When this happens, it can have a huge impact on their lives. It can lead to losing a place in a care home, strain on family relationships, loneliness, and heavy use of calming medications. Currently, NHS care across the UK is not always consistent, and there is no single proven approach that works for everyone.
The PETAL programme has been designed to address this challenge. Researchers worked closely with people with learning disabilities, their families, and healthcare staff to build a tailored therapy package. Because every individual is different, PETAL focuses on understanding each person's unique triggers and needs. The programme helps the person and the people supporting them to work as a team, finding safe, positive ways to manage difficult moments before they escalate.
This study compares the PETAL approach to standard care across community NHS services. By seeing how well it works in real-life settings, researchers hope to gather strong evidence. If the programme is shown to improve daily life and offer good value for money, it could be rolled out across the entire NHS. Ultimately, the aim is to help people stay safely in their communities and enjoy better relationships and opportunities.
Key takeaways
- PETAL is an NHS-funded study testing personalised therapy for adults with learning disabilities who show aggression.
- The therapy aims to tackle the root causes of distress to improve quality of life and keep people living safely at home.
- Sessions run over 14 weeks and involve the individual alongside their family or paid carers.
- No new medicines are involved, and there are no identified physical risks to taking part.
- Participation is entirely voluntary, with breaks available whenever needed.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have a learning disability and live in the community. This includes people living with family, in supported living, or in residential care homes. To take part, the person must be registered with or eligible for support from an NHS community learning disability team. They must also have had regular episodes of physical aggression towards people or property over the last three months.
People who are currently staying in a hospital ward, those dealing with severe drug or alcohol addiction, or those already enrolled in another clinical trial cannot take part. Carers also play a key role in the study, so a family member or carer must be able to understand English.
Joining is completely voluntary. If a person is able to give their own consent, they will be supported to do so. If an individual does not have the mental capacity to decide for themselves, family members or named representatives can give agreement on their behalf, strictly following UK legal safeguards.
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.
- The person is aged 18 or older.
- They have a diagnosed learning disability and live in the community (e.g., at home or in supported living).
- They are registered with or eligible for an NHS community learning disability service.
- They have experienced incidents of physical aggression to people or property over the last three months.
- They are not currently an inpatient in a hospital.
- A family member or carer is available and able to understand English.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in the PETAL study involves working with local community learning disability teams over several months. Because this is a cluster study, local NHS teams are grouped together, and yours will either provide the new PETAL therapy or standard care. If your team is delivering PETAL, sessions will run over a period of 14 weeks. These sessions will involve the adult with a learning disability and their carers working together with trained NHS staff to spot triggers, build calming strategies, and create a personalised plan. There are no new medicines tested in this trial. Alongside the sessions, researchers will carry out research visits and interviews, which usually take about an hour each. You will be asked questions about daily life, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. You are always welcome to take breaks during any visit if you feel tired or need time out.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (23)
- North London NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- Devon Partnership NHS TrustCity onlyExeter, England
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS TrustCity onlyNorwich, England
- South Eastern Health and Social Care TrustCity onlyBelfast, Northern Ireland
- Western Health and Social Care TrustCity onlyLondonderry, Northern Ireland
- Southern Health and Social Care TrustUnverifiedCraigavon, Northern Ireland
- Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS TrustUnverifiedTeddington, England
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLincoln, England
- East London NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS TrustUnverifiedLeicester, England
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedOxford, England
- Bradford District Care TrustUnverifiedBradford, England
Common questions
What is the PETAL programme?
PETAL is a personalised therapy package designed to help adults with learning disabilities, their families, and carers better understand the causes of aggression and find positive ways to manage it.
Does the study involve taking any new medications?
No. The PETAL programme is a talking and behavioural support therapy. It does not introduce any new drugs or change existing medications.
How long will the therapy last?
The PETAL therapy sessions take place over 14 weeks, with additional research visits lasting about one hour each.
Can someone take part if they cannot make decisions on their own?
Yes. If an adult does not have the capacity to give consent under UK law, a family member or nominated representative can be consulted to agree on their behalf.
What happens if we decide to stop taking part?
You can leave the study at any time. Doing so will not affect the care, support, or treatment you receive from the NHS.
How to find out more
Rebecca Griffiths
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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