Animal-assisted therapy for children with PTSD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.