5-day intensive trauma-focused program for adolescents with PTSD
Intensive Trauma-Focused Treatment for Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Feasibility and Preliminary Effects
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Trial ID | NCT07052474 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Stockholm
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.