Group therapy using written exposure for adolescents with complex PTSD

The Effectiveness of Group Guided Written Exposure Therapy for CPTSD Symptoms Among Adolescents : A Multi-centered Randomized Controlled Trail

Not applicable Interventional Peking University · NCT06931093

This study is testing a new group therapy that uses writing to help teenagers with complex PTSD feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06931093 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of Group-Delivered Guided Written Exposure Therapy (GWE-C) for adolescents suffering from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). A total of 120 participants aged 10 to 18 will be randomly assigned to either the GWE-C group or a supportive therapy group. The intervention consists of 7 to 10 group sessions, and the primary outcomes will be measured using the International Trauma Questionnaire at various time points including baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups at one and three months. The goal is to assess the therapeutic impact of GWE-C in a structured setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10 to 18 who meet the diagnostic criteria for Complex PTSD and have sufficient literacy to engage in writing tasks.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, ongoing exposure to trauma, or those currently receiving other trauma-focused therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve CPTSD symptoms in adolescents, enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar therapeutic interventions have shown promise in treating PTSD in various populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 10 and 18 years;
* Meet the diagnostic or subclinical criteria for Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), defined as the presence of at least one positive symptom in each of the PTSD symptom clusters, along with at least one positive symptom in each of the Disturbance in Self-Organization (DSO) symptom clusters;
* Possess sufficient literacy and language skills to complete writing-based tasks;
* Be able to understand the study procedures and complete the required assessments;
* Provide written informed consent, with consent also obtained from their legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder or neurodevelopmental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other severe psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study participation;
* Presence of a severe physical illness that would impair the ability to engage in the intervention;
* Suicidal ideation within the past six months;
* Ongoing exposure to traumatic events;
* Currently receiving other trauma-focused psychological treatments.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CPTSD, Compelx Post-traumatic Stress Disorderadolescentsrandomized controlled trialComplex PTSD
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.