CBT for Anger and Aggression in Children: a Pilot Study of Irritability and Suicidality

This pilot study evaluated whether cognitive behavioral therapy for anger and aggression, added to treatment as usual, was associated with reductions in irritability and suicidal ideation in preteen children with externalizing disorders. Children aged 8 to 12 years who were referred to an outpatient child psychiatry clinic for irritability, anger outbursts, or reactive aggression were assigned to CBT-AA plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. The intervention included individual child sessions focused on emotion regulation, problem-solving, and social skills, with parent guidance sessions. Irritability and suicidal ideation were assessed at baseline, during treatment, at the end of treatment, and at follow-up.

NCT Number	NCT07603986
Lead Sponsor	Geha Mental Health Center Collaborators: Chief Scientist, The Israel Ministry of Science
Conditions	Irritability, Anger, Externalizing Behavior, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Behavior
Enrollment	46 participants
Start Date	2021-10-22
Primary Completion	2024-08-04 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-02-10 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-22