Group Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Investigating Group Written Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
This study is testing if Group Written Exposure Therapy can help people with PTSD feel better compared to a different therapy they are waiting to try.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 63 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05729789 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Group Written Exposure Therapy (G-WET) in reducing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among participants. The study involves six weekly online sessions led by two therapists, where participants will engage in therapeutic writing exercises and complete questionnaires to assess their symptoms. Researchers will compare the outcomes of G-WET with those of group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to determine its efficacy and dropout rates. The study will recruit 63 individuals aged 18 to 65 who are on a waitlist for group CPT.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of PTSD and can read and write in English.
Not a fit: Patients with active severe substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, or those who have recently engaged in high-risk self-harm may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide an effective treatment option for individuals with PTSD, potentially leading to reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with individual Written Exposure Therapy, but this group approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and older * Diagnosis of PTSD * Able to provide written informed consent and can read and write in English Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of an active severe substance use disorder (SUD) * Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc.) * Untreated active psychotic, manic or hypomanic symptoms * Has attempted suicide in the 2 months prior to beginning treatment * Has engaged in high-risk self-harm (e.g., cutting, burning, asphyxiation) in the 2 months prior to beginning treatment * Has completed CPT in the past * Has completed another active PTSD treatment, such as Prolonged Exposure or EMDR within the last year
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jenna Boyd, Ph.D. — St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
- Study coordinator: Jenna Boyd, Ph.D.
- Email: boydj@stjosham.on.ca
- Phone: 905-522-1155
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.