The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether AGENCIA, a brief psychological program supported by digital technology and artificial intelligence, can help reduce emotional and behavioral difficulties in adolescents aged 12 to 18. These difficulties may include irritability, impulsive behaviors, conflicts at home or at school, or difficulties in managing intense emotions. The study also aims to determine whether the effects are similar across adolescents with different symptom profiles or neurodevelopmental characteristics.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
AGENCIA Digital: a self-guided online version completed at home. AGENCIA in-person with a digital assistant: a clinician-delivered version supported by an interactive digital assistant to guide the exercises.
Digital psychoeducation (control): a self-guided online program providing general information about adolescent well-being.
The main research questions are:
Does AGENCIA reduce overall emotional and behavioral difficulties? Does the program improve functioning, family accommodation, and personal agency (a young person's sense of being able to act and make changes)? Are the effects similar across adolescents with different profiles or neurodevelopmental characteristics?
Participants will:
* Complete three structured sessions depending on their assigned group. * Complete brief online questionnaires at baseline (T0), immediately after the sessions (T1), and at 1-month (T2) and 6-month (T3) follow-ups. * Receive brief phone calls during follow-ups to support questionnaire completion.
A total of 465 adolescents will take part in the study. Participation is voluntary and does not replace usual clinical care. The study does not involve medication or invasive procedures, and all digital tools operate within secure institutional systems.
Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years at enrollment.
Presence of emotional or behavioral difficulties causing functional interference (e.g., irritability, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, conflicts at home or school, avoidance).
Difficulties compatible with neurodevelopmental profiles, regardless of formal diagnosis.
Ability to use digital materials through a personal device and basic reading skills in Spanish.
Acute clinical risk at pre-screening or screening (e.g., imminent self-harm risk, severe agitation, aggression, disorganized behavior, or unsafe behaviors requiring immediate clinical care).
Score of "Severe" on any of the three HoNOSCA screening items (self-harm, substance-related problems, or bullying/social problems).
Uncompensated sensory, motor, or language barriers preventing valid completion of assessments or participation (e.g., severe visual or hearing impairment, significant receptive/expressive language difficulties, motor limitations preventing device use).
Intellectual disability defined by screening tools: ABAS-II GAC ≤ 70 or Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test Composite Intelligence Quotient ≤ 70.
Fundación Pública Andaluza para la gestión de la Investigación en Sevilla
Lead sponsor
Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío
Collaborator
Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Collaborator