NCT07607730 · Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Regulating Together for Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Group Behavioral Therapy for Emotion Dysregulation
(RT-PWS)
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to help teens with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and their families learn practical strategies for managing issues like irritability, meltdowns, and anxiety.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to help teens with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and their families learn practical strategies for managing issues like irritability, meltdowns, and anxiety. The main objective of the study is: To adapt current Regulating Together materials to create an outpatient group program for emotion dysregulation in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) that will improve psychosocial outcomes for youth with PWS.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Regulating Together group therapy
Regulating Together is the original curriculum developed for autistic youth that uses evidence-based therapeutic strategies including relaxation techniques, parent management training, and mindfulness to help regulate emotions. This study will adapt the original Regulating Together curriculum to focus on behavioral interventions to treat emotion dysregulation in Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Primary outcome measures
Emotion Dysregulation Inventory - Reactivity
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of their follow up appointment, about 10 weeks after therapy has completed
The Emotion Dysregulation Inventory consists of two subscales. We will use the Reactivity subscale which captures poorly regulated negative emotional responses and a dysphoria subscale characterized by increased negative affect and lack of motivation. Minimum raw score: 0; Maximum raw score: 96; Higher scores reflect higher emotional reactivity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ages 13-17.5 years
- Confirmed genetic diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Fluent in spoken English
- Adolescent's use of flexible phrase speech or greater
- Meeting clinically significant emotional dysregulation criteria
- Willing to participate in weekly 90-minute group sessions
- Family is willing to keep prescribed psychiatric medication and outside behavioral interventions stable
- Parent, guardian, or legally authorized representative must provide written permission on behalf of the participant Child Participant
Exclusion criteria
- Initiation of new psychosocial intervention within 30 days prior to first day of treatment
- Presence of physical aggression in the adolescent directed towards a peer outside the home that resulted in injury within 30 days prior to screening
- Presence of comorbid major neuropsychiatric illness warranting other treatment approaches
- Presence of any major sensory impairment that would limit participating in the material including blindness or uncorrected hearing loss Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Lives and cares for their child with PWS for \> 50% of the year
- Fluent in spoken English
- Willing to participate in twice weekly 90-minute sessions, including one virtual session weekly Caregiver Exclusion Criteria: -Presence of any major sensory impairment that would limit participating in the material including blindness or uncorrected hearing loss
Where
- Kansas City, Missouri
Collaborators
Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations