RecruitingInterventional

Evaluating a relational approach to working with young people who self-harm

This study is exploring a talking therapy called Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) for young people aged 13-17 who have self-harmed. Self-harm, like cutting or taking an overdose, is a growing concern, and we need more effective ways to help young people. While some therapies exist, they can be difficult to access or don't suit everyone. This research is a 'feasibility study,' meaning it's a smaller first step to see if a larger study on CAT for self-harm in young people would be practical. Participants will be randomly chosen to either get their usual care or eight sessions of CAT alongside their usual care. Researchers will collect information to see how well the study works and if CAT might be a helpful option in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Cognitive analytic therapy for self-harm in young people

What is this study about?

Many young people sometimes hurt themselves on purpose, which is called self-harm. This can include things like cutting or taking too many medicines. It's a serious issue, and we know that more young people are self-harming, which can lead to other problems. We want to find the best ways to help young people who self-harm, but currently, there isn't a lot of clear information on which treatments work best. Existing treatments can sometimes be hard to find or may not be right for everyone.

This study is looking at a specific type of talking therapy called Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). We already know that a shorter version of CAT has been helpful for adults who self-harm, and we've adjusted it to work for young people. This is a small, initial study (called a 'feasibility study') to see if it's practical to carry out a much larger study later on. We'll be checking things like whether it's easy to find enough young people to join the study and if they attend the therapy sessions.

The main goal is to understand if CAT could be a good treatment option for young people aged 13 to 17 who self-harm. By doing this smaller study first, we can learn valuable lessons to make sure any future larger study is set up for success, ultimately helping to improve support for young people who need it.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) for young people who self-harm.
It's a small 'feasibility' study to prepare for a larger trial.
Participants will be aged 13-17 and have self-harmed at least twice.
You'll either receive usual care or usual care plus 8 CAT sessions.
Your part involves assessments over about 20 weeks.
Participation helps future understanding of best treatments for self-harm.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 13 and 17 years old who have experience with self-harm. To be eligible, you would need to have self-harmed at least twice in your life, with one of those times happening in the last year. You also need to be receiving care from NHS child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and be able to safely attend therapy sessions as an outpatient.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a significant learning disability or certain brain conditions that make it hard to understand and communicate, or if you are currently staying in hospital for mental health reasons. You also can't join if you are experiencing severe signs of mania (feeling extremely high and energetic) or psychosis (losing touch with reality) at the moment.

It's also important that you are not at immediate risk of seriously harming yourself in the very near future. If you are, you might be able to join once that high risk has passed. Finally, if you are already having another type of one-to-one talking therapy like CBT or DBT, you wouldn't be able to join this study, as it might make it hard to see if CAT is truly making a difference. However, other support like groups or informal chats with a clinician won't prevent you from taking part.

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 between 13 and 17 years old?
Have you self-harmed at least twice, with one time in the last year?
Are you getting care from NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)?
Are you not currently in hospital for mental health issues?
Are you NOT currently having another individual talking therapy like CBT or DBT?
Are you not at immediate, high risk of ending your life right now?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will continue to receive the care they usually get from their doctors and mental health services. The other group will also receive their usual care, but they will additionally have eight sessions of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT).

Everyone taking part will be asked to complete some questionnaires when the study starts, and then again after 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 20 weeks. These questionnaires will ask about your feelings and experiences related to self-harm and how you're doing generally. The study is expected to run from March 2025 to November 2027, and your part in it will involve these therapy sessions (if applicable) and assessments over a period of about 20 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

It's not yet known if Cognitive Analytic Therapy will definitely help young people who self-harm, but taking part in this study could still be a positive experience. By joining, you're helping us learn more about which treatments work best, which can help many other young people in the future. However, the study involves answering questions about difficult topics like self-harm, which might sometimes feel uncomfortable or upsetting. Also, therapy itself can be challenging as you explore difficult emotions and experiences. The study team and therapists are there to support you, reduce any distress, and you never have to answer anything you don't want to. Remember, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason.

Locations (3)

Pennine Care NHS Trust
Approximate
Ashton-under-lyne, England
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Doncaster, England

Common questions

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves, like cutting or taking an overdose. It can happen with or without the plan to end their life.

What is Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)?

CAT is a type of talking therapy that helps people understand how their past experiences and relationships might be affecting their current feelings and behaviours, including self-harm.

Will I definitely get therapy if I join?

No, you will be randomly put into one of two groups. One group gets their usual care, and the other gets usual care plus the CAT therapy.

How long does the study last for me?

If you join, you will have questionnaires over about 20 weeks. If you receive CAT, those sessions will also be within that period.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

How to find out more

Peter Taylor

Peter.taylor-2@manchester.ac.uk +44 161 275 2215 Official trial record

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