Trauma, PTSD, and resilience in adults living with congenital heart disease
Official title: Psychological Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Resilience in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Run by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT06952933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether lifetime experiences related to congenital heart disease are linked to PTSD and whether resilience helps protect adults with CHD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06952933 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age ≥18) with a congenital heart disease diagnosis who are enrolled in the CHI registry, can read English, and have internet access are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 18, those not enrolled in the CHI registry, non-English speakers, or those without internet access are not eligible and would not benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will use the Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI) registry of over 4,000 adults with CHD and invite members by email to complete online surveys. Participants will complete the PCL-5 PTSD screener and a validated resilience scale (likely the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), with an optional clinician diagnostic interview in a subsample to establish true PTSD prevalence and validate the screener. The study will analyze medical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic exposures (for example, post-surgical pain, ICU delirium, and bullying) to identify factors associated with PTSD diagnosis. All survey items are optional and participation requires internet access and English proficiency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify adults with CHD who are at higher risk for PTSD and guide more targeted screening and support services.
How similar studies have gone: PCL-5 and Connor-Davidson resilience measures have been used in ACHD and other cardiac populations, but large registry-based, clinician-validated PTSD prevalence work in ACHD is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Congenital heart disease diagnosis, age \>= 18 years * Enrolled in CHI registry * English proficiency for survey completion * Access to an internet connection. Can be via computer or handheld device. Exclusion Criteria: * Any who opt out * Age \< 18 years * No diagnosis of congenital heart disease * Not enrolled in CHI registry/unable to access Internet
Where it's running
-
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States Recruiting -
Children's National Medical Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Not yet recruiting -
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: David J Harrison, MD
- Email: david.j.harrison@hitchcock.org
- Phone: 603-650-5724
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.