Internet-delivered therapy for PTSD

Efficacy and Mediators of Change of Cognitive-behavior Therapy for PTSD: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Karolinska Institutet · NCT05934162

This study is testing whether an online therapy focused on facing fears can help adults with PTSD more effectively than another online therapy that uses relaxation techniques.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment286 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet (other)
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT05934162 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of therapist-guided internet-delivered prolonged exposure therapy with an active control condition of therapist-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy that includes relaxation techniques for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups for a duration of 10 weeks. The study will evaluate not only the effectiveness of the interventions but also the mechanisms of change and cost-effectiveness. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of PTSD who can communicate in Swedish and have stable psychotropic medication.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health symptoms, ongoing trauma-focused therapy, or those whose PTSD is not the primary concern may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more accessible and effective option for individuals suffering from PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary research has shown that therapist-guided internet-delivered treatments can be effective, but this specific approach with severe PTSD patients is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* current primary diagnosis PTSD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
* be 18 years of age or older
* be able to read and communicate fluently in Swedish
* have had a stable dose of any psychotropic medication for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry
* Daily access to a computer or device with internet connection

Exclusion Criteria:

* PTSD is not the primary concern
* Initiation or adjustment of any psychotropic medication within the last 4 weeks prior to commencement of treatment
* Serious mental health symptoms, such as mania, psychosis, alcohol, or substance use disorders or current suicide risk warranting immediate clinical attention.
* Ongoing trauma-focused CBT or Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
* Ongoing trauma-related threat (e.g. living with a violent spouse)

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, therapist-guided treatment, internet delivered treatment, digital treatment, therapist-assisted treatment, prolonged exposure, trauma focused CBT

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.