CompletedInterventional

Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) for individuals with antisocial personality disorder

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) can make it difficult for people to manage their emotions or care about how others feel. This often leads to anger, conflict, and trouble with the law. Currently, there are very few proven treatments designed specifically for people with ASPD. This UK clinical trial is testing a talking therapy called Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). MBT focuses on helping people understand their own thoughts and feelings, as well as the feelings of others. Men aged 21 and over on probation will be randomly split into two groups. One group receives standard probation support. The other group receives standard probation alongside MBT, which includes monthly one-to-one therapy and weekly group sessions for one year. Researchers will follow participants for up to three years to see if the therapy reduces violence and re-offending, and helps improve everyday relationships and well-being.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

302

Start

01 Mar 2016

Estimated completion

30 May 2018

Antisocial personality disorder

What is this study about?

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and relates to other people. Men living with ASPD often struggle to control their temper and may act impulsively without thinking about the consequences. This can result in aggressive behaviour, relationship breakdowns, and repeated run-ins with the police. Despite how common this condition is within the criminal justice system, doctors and therapists have very few treatments proven to help.

This study, known as the MOAM trial, looks at whether an adapted talking treatment called Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) can fill this gap. Mentalizing simply means taking a moment to understand what is going on in your own mind and what might be going on in someone else's mind. By learning to recognize these thoughts and feelings, people can often respond to stressful situations more calmly rather than reacting with anger or violence.

The main aim of the trial is to see if offering MBT to men on probation lowers the chances of them being violent or committing further offences. Researchers also want to find out if the therapy improves daily quality of life and whether it offers good value for money for public services like the NHS and the probation system.

Key takeaways

Tests a specialized talking therapy (MBT) for men diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.
Aims to help participants understand emotions, control aggression, and stop offending.
Participants are randomly assigned to either MBT therapy alongside probation, or standard probation alone.
The therapy involves monthly individual sessions and weekly group sessions for one year.
Taking part is voluntary and does not replace your legal probation requirements.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is designed for adult men aged 21 or over who are currently being supervised by the National Probation Service. To take part, men must have at least six months remaining on their community sentence or licence. They must have a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a past history of aggressive or violent behaviour, and a genuine wish to stop offending.

The study is not suitable for everyone. Men cannot join if they have convictions for child sexual offences. It is also not open to anyone currently dealing with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or people who have significant learning disabilities.

In addition, men with severe alcohol or drug addictions cannot take part. This is to ensure participants are able to safely attend and benefit from regular psychological therapy sessions.

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.

I am a man aged 21 or older.
I am currently on probation or serving a community sentence with at least 6 months left.
I have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
I have a history of aggressive behaviour and want to stop offending.
I do not have severe drug or alcohol dependence, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
I do not have any convictions for child sexual offences.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you will be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will continue with their standard probation support as usual. The other group will receive their normal probation support plus Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) for 12 months. This therapy involves one 60-minute individual session each month and one 75-minute group session each week.

There are no medications involved in this study. Instead, researchers will ask you to complete regular interviews and questionnaires about your moods, relationships, and any aggressive feelings. These assessments take place every three months during the one-year treatment period, and continue every three months for two further years after treatment ends.

The research team will also look at official records to check for any re-offending. In total, your participation in the study follow-up lasts for three years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the opportunity to receive specialized psychological support designed to help you handle difficult emotions, stay out of prison, and improve relationships with friends and family. There are no physical medical risks involved, but talking about past behaviours and personal emotions in therapy can sometimes feel uncomfortable or stressful. You are always free to leave the study at any time, and doing so will not affect your probation sentence, your legal rights, or your standard medical care.

Locations (13)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Westminster Probation Office (pilot and RCT)
City only
London, England
Mersey Forensic Psychology Services (pilot and RCT)
City only
Liverpool, England
The Lincolnshire & North Yorkshire Probation Service (pilot and RCT)
City only
Lincoln, England
Southwark probation (pilot and RCT)
City only
London, England
Llanelli Probation Service (RCT only)
City only
Llanelli, Wales
Exeter National Probation Service (RCT only)
Unverified
Exeter, England
Tamworth Probation Office (RCT only)
Unverified
Tamworth, England
Lancashire Probation Trust (RCT only)
Unverified
Preston, England
Bristol Central National Probation Service Office (RCT only)
Unverified
Bristol, England
West Yorkshire Probation (RCT only)
Unverified
Leeds, England
Castle Quay probation (RCT only)
Unverified
Nottingham, England
Stoke Newington Probation Service (RCT only)
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What is Mentalization-Based Therapy?

It is a talking therapy that helps you make sense of your own thoughts and feelings, and helps you understand why other people might act the way they do before you react.

Do I have to take any medicine during this trial?

No. This trial only involves talking therapies, standard probation meetings, and answering research questions.

Will leaving the trial affect my probation?

No. Taking part is completely voluntary. Deciding not to join, or choosing to leave later, will not harm your legal rights or your standard probation supervision.

Can I choose whether I get the therapy or normal probation?

No. A computer randomly decides which group you join so that researchers can make a fair comparison between the two groups.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The therapy lasts for one year, but the research team will keep in touch with you every three months for two further years to see how you are getting on.

How to find out more

Elizabeth Simes

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.