The Effectiveness of Group-Delivered Guided Written Exposure Therapy for CPTSD Symptoms Among Adolescents : A Multi-centered Randomized Controlled Trail

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY · Apr 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of therapy called Guided Written Exposure Therapy (GWE-C) to help adolescents with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). The goal is to see if this group therapy can improve symptoms in young people aged 10 to 18. In the study, 120 participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive GWE-C therapy in 7 to 10 sessions, while the other group will receive supportive therapy. Researchers will measure the effects of the therapy at the beginning of the study, right after treatment, and again one and three months later.

To take part in this study, young people must have symptoms of CPTSD and be able to read and write well enough to complete some tasks. They will need permission from their parents or guardians. However, those with severe mental health or physical conditions that could affect their participation, or those currently undergoing other specific treatments for trauma, will not be eligible. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it offers a chance for adolescents to receive support and therapy in a group setting, potentially helping them cope with their experiences.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged between 10 and 18 years;
• • Meet the diagnostic criteria or subclinical criteria for Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) , defined as missing either one symptom from the PTSD clusters, or the DSO cluster;
• • Possess sufficient literacy and language skills to complete writing-based tasks;
• • Be able to understand the study procedures and complete the required assessments;
• • Provide written informed consent, with consent also obtained from their legal guardians.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder or neurodevelopmental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other severe psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study participation;
• • Presence of a severe physical illness that would impair the ability to engage in the intervention;
• • Suicidal ideation within the past six months;
• • Ongoing exposure to traumatic events;
• • Currently receiving other trauma-focused psychological treatments.