5-day intensive trauma-focused program for adolescents with PTSD
Official title: Intensive Trauma-Focused Treatment for Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Feasibility and Preliminary Effects
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT07052474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a Swedish 5-day intensive program combining EMDR, trauma-focused CBT elements, physical activity, and caregiver support for adolescents (13–17) with PTSD to see if symptoms improve quickly and more teens complete treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07052474 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adolescents aged 13–17 with a diagnosed PTSD who are referred to the Stockholm child and adolescent psychiatry trauma unit, have no or stable psychotropic medication, and at least one caregiver who can participate are the intended candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high suicide risk, current substance abuse, an IQ below 75, or who cannot attend an intensive five-day in-person program (including lacking caregiver availability) are unlikely to be suitable or to benefit from this format.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot is a Swedish adaptation of the Dutch Korte Intensieve Traumabehandeling (KIT) that delivers EMDR, elements of trauma-focused CBT, guided physical activity, and parental support across five consecutive days. Adolescents referred to the Stockholm specialized trauma unit undergo baseline assessment including the CAPS-CA-5 and background data collection before inclusion. The protocol is observational and focuses on feasibility, practicality, retention, and preliminary symptom change rather than randomized comparison. Outcomes will inform whether a larger controlled trial is warranted and how the approach fits clinical workflows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could produce faster symptom reduction and lower dropout compared with standard weekly therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Intensive trauma programs combining EMDR and exposure-based approaches have shown promising rapid symptom reduction and better retention in adults, and this protocol is adapted from the Dutch KIT model though evidence in adolescents remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients with PTSD between 13 and 17 years of age who are referred to the specialized trauma unit within Stockholm Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Patients who meet inclusion criteria after assessment at the BUP Trauma Unit are informed about the study. If interested, they attend a meeting to receive further information and provide consent. Background data is collected, and a diagnostic interview (CAPS-CA-5) is scheduled. Inclusion is decided during treatment planning meetings. Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of PTSD * No or stable medication involving antidepressants, stimulants, and/or antipsychotics * At least one caregiver can participate in the treatment Exclusion Criteria: * High risk for suicide * IQ below 75 * Current substance abuse
Where it's running
-
Centre for Psychiatry Research
Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Helander, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Maja Vinnerljung, Psychologist
- Email: maja.vinnerljung@regionstockholm.se
- Phone: +46 8-123 531 00
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.