Group therapy using written exposure for PTSD in Chinese adolescents

The Effectiveness of Group-Delivered Revised Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD and Subclinical PTSD Among Chinese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Peking University · NCT06390293

This study is testing if a new group therapy using written exercises can help Chinese teenagers with PTSD feel better compared to those who aren’t receiving the treatment right away.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peking, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06390293 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of group-delivered revised written exposure therapy (WET-R) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subclinical PTSD in Chinese adolescents. It involves a randomized controlled trial with 70 participants, where half will receive the WET-R intervention consisting of 5-8 group sessions, while the other half will be placed on a waiting list. The effectiveness will be measured using the Child PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 and the PTSD Checklist-5 at various intervals including baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10-18 who meet the diagnostic criteria for full or subthreshold PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychopathology requiring immediate medical attention or those currently undergoing psychotherapy for PTSD may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in adolescents, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on written exposure therapy have shown promising results, indicating potential effectiveness in treating PTSD.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescents aged 10-18 years.
2. Meeting full or subthreshold PTSD (up to one symptom missing) diagnostic criteria according to the Child PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (CPSS-5-I).
3. If taking psychotropic medication, currently stabilized on psychotropic medication for at least four weeks.
4. Capable of writing and understanding written instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of severe psychopathology necessitating immediate medical attention
2. Moderate to high suicide risk (e.g., intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future
3. Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
4. Currently undergoing psychotherapy specifically for PTSD.

Where this trial is running

Peking, Beijing

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 PTSDwritten exposure therapyrandomized controlled trialadolescents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.