Animal-assisted therapy for children with PTSD
Effects of a Psychotherapy Group Program for Children and Adolescents With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms
This study tests whether including an animal in therapy helps kids aged 9 to 17 with PTSD feel more motivated and complete their treatment better than standard therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Basel and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05608551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of incorporating an animal into trauma-focused group therapy for children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 who have experienced post-traumatic stress symptoms. Participants are randomly assigned to either animal-assisted trauma-focused therapy or standard trauma-focused therapy. The study aims to assess how the presence of an animal influences therapy motivation and completion rates. Additionally, parents or guardians will participate in meetings to support the therapeutic process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 who have experienced a traumatic event and exhibit post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairments, diagnosed autism spectrum disorder affecting group interaction, or severe safety concerns may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance therapy motivation and outcomes for children and adolescents suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with animal-assisted therapy in various therapeutic contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 9 and 17 years * experienced a traumatic event * remembers at least one traumatic event * Suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms (screened via the CATS-2; cut-off ≥ 21; cut-off must be reached by either participant or caregiver) * Basic knowledge of child and parents in German to be able to understand content of the session and to fill in questionnaires * Informed consent (given by legal guardian for participants younger than 14 years) * Positive or neutral attitude towards animals Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to complete questionnaires due to lack of language skills or cognitive impairment * Diagnosed autism spectrum disorder; Exclusion only if interaction with others and group ability is limited due to autism * Reported significant impairment or safety issue (e.g., active suicidal ideation, acute psychosis) * Known abuse of substances used for emotion regulation (e.g. cannabis, alcohol, other hard drugs) * Fear of domestic animals * Allergic reactions to domestic animals * Reported aggressive behavior towards animals in the past
Where this trial is running
Basel and 1 other locations
- University of Basel — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
- Email: karin.hediger@unibas.ch
- Phone: (+41) 061 207 65 80
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.