Comparing two therapies for treating PTSD
Official title: Towards Evidence-based PTSD Care in Norwegian Specialist Health Services - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Vestre Viken Hospital Trust · NCT06691347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing which therapy works better for people with PTSD: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing or cognitive therapy, by giving 270 participants up to 24 weekly sessions of one of the two treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 270 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Drammen, Akershus) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 26, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 15, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06691347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who meet the criteria for PTSD based on standardized assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe intellectual impairment or acute psychiatric conditions requiring immediate alternative treatment may not benefit from this study.
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 effectiveness of two prominent therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups and will undergo up to 24 weekly therapy sessions. The study will assess various outcomes, including PTSD symptoms, comorbid disorders, and functional improvements, using self-administered questionnaires throughout the treatment process. A total of 270 patients will be recruited from specialist health care services in Norway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence for the most effective therapy for PTSD, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for both EMDR and CT-PTSD, but this study aims to provide a direct comparison in a controlled setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18 years * meeting criteria for PTSD based on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) with a total score ≥23 Exclusion Criteria: * insufficient mastery of the Norwegian language * severe intellectual impairment (estimated IQ of 70 or less) * comorbid psychiatric illnesses in an acute phase where other types of treatment need to be prioritized (e.g. hospitalization) * history of EMDR or CT-PTSD treatment
Where it's running
-
Vestre Viken Health Trust
Drammen, Akershus, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susie Fu, Ph.D, Cand. Psychol. — Vestre Viken Health trust
- Study coordinator: Susie Fu, PhD, Cand. Psychol.
- Email: susifu@vestreviken.no
- Phone: +4790588752
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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.