Internet-delivered therapy for young people with PTSD

Efficacy and Cost Effectiveness of Internet-delivered Trauma-focused CBT for Young People With PTSD

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06185244

This study is testing if a special online therapy for PTSD can help young people aged 13-17 feel better compared to a different online therapy that focuses on relaxation and education.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06185244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of therapist-guided internet-delivered trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (iTF-CBT) compared to an active control group receiving therapist-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy that includes relaxation techniques and psychoeducation. Young participants aged 13-17 with a primary diagnosis of PTSD will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms over a 12-week period. The study will assess outcomes using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 and will also explore secondary outcomes such as cost-effectiveness and predictors of symptom change. An internal pilot will be conducted with the first 20 participants to gather qualitative feedback on their experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-17 with a primary diagnosis of PTSD who are fluent in Swedish and have internet access.

Not a fit: Patients whose PTSD is not the primary concern or who have serious mental health symptoms requiring immediate clinical attention may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an accessible and effective treatment option for young people suffering from PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using internet-delivered therapies for mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 13-17 years,
* Primary PTSD diagnosis
* Fluent in Swedish
* Access to the Internet at home or can use vouchers for internet-access to their phone.
* Parent/guardian willing and able to take part in treatment.

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

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.
Conditions Posttraumatic Stress DisorderPTSDdigital treatmenttrauma-focused CBTtherapist-guided
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.