Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In addition to the core symptoms, children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit disruptive behavior problems including irritability, tantrums, noncompliance, and aggression. This is a pilot study of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, also known as Anger Control Training, in adolescents with high-functioning ASD. CBT teaches children to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance. This form of CBT has been well-studied in typically developing children with disruptive behavior and we are investigating if this treatment can be feasible and helpful, with appropriate modifications, for irritability and disruptive behavior in ASD.

Official Title
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Conditions
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Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, Asperger's Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Irritability


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or PDD-NOS presence of disruptive behaviors such as irritability and anger outbursts IQ above 80 Unmedicated or on stable medication Exclusion Criteria: medical or psychiatric condition that would require alternative treatment

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 9 Years
Maximum Age: 16 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cognitive behavior therapy<br> | Behavioral: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Irritability<br>* CBT is an individually administered behavioral interventions aimed at reducing irritability and disruptive behavior. There are 10 to 12 weekly sessions that are conducted with the child and the parent. During these sessions children are taught to recognize antecedents and consequences of problem behavior and to use emotion regulation and problem-solving skills to reduce irritability, aggression and noncompliance.<br>* Other names: Anger Control Training;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ABC Irritability Scale | Parent rating of irritability and disruptive behavior that has been often used in studies with children with ASD | 1 week | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism, Irritability, Disruptive Behavior, Aggression, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy