Body-oriented psychotherapy for adults with a history of child maltreatment
Body-oriented Psychotherapy vs. Psychoeducation and Treatment Information for Individuals With a History of Child Maltreatment and Trauma-related Symptoms: Assessing Safety, Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes
This study is testing whether a special therapy called Somatic Experiencing can help adults who suffered abuse as children feel better and improve their social skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mid Sweden University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm, Stockholm County) |
| Trial ID | NCT06549777 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy on social functioning and mental health in adults who have experienced child maltreatment and exhibit symptoms of PTSD or complex PTSD. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an SE treatment group, which includes psychoeducation and 15 sessions of SE therapy, or a control group receiving psychoeducation and regular phone updates. The study seeks to address the lack of research on SE's impact on psychological safety in this population, particularly in the context of Swedish healthcare. Special attention will be given to participant safety and the acceptability of the SE intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a history of child maltreatment and moderate to severe PTSD or complex PTSD symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with active substance abuse issues, psychotic symptoms, or acute suicidality may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve psychological safety and social functioning in individuals with a history of child maltreatment.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on Somatic Experiencing in this context, other trauma-focused interventions have shown success in improving mental health outcomes for similar populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (18 years or older). * Proficiency in Swedish Language. * Access to a computer/internet. * Meeting CTQ-cutoff for CM history (CTQ rating higher than 'none / minimal' in at least one of the subscales according to Bernstein and Fink (1998) (i.e. ≥10 for emotional neglect, ≥ 8 for physical neglect, ≥9 for emotional abuse, ≥8 for physical abuse and ≥6 for sexual abuse). * Meeting at least moderate/severe PTSD or complex PTSD symptoms on the ITQ. * If taking medication, it must have been ongoing for at least 3 months and the dose must have been stable for 1 month. * Signed informed consent provided. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants screen positive for alcohol (AUDIT) or substance abuse (DUDIT). * Psychotic symptoms, ongoing manic episode, acute suicidality. * If ongoing medication has an impact on the physiological data (ECG) recorded during the social paradigms, physiological data will be excluded from the analyses (but not exclusion for the treatment). * Have current (pre-assessment) ongoing psychological treatment focusing on social safeness, PTSD or complex PTSD.
Where this trial is running
Stockholm, Stockholm County
- Mid Sweden university and Stockholm university — Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Monique Pfaltz — +46101428300
- Study coordinator: Jörgen Lehmivaara
- Email: jorgen.lehmivaara@miun.se
- Phone: +46722477195
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.