Trauma therapy for patients with PTSD and psychotic disorders

How Effective and Safe is Trauma Therapy Using Prolonged Exposure for Patients With PTSD and a Comorbid Psychotic Disorder? Treatment Trauma and Psychosis -TEP

Not applicable Interventional Medicalschool Hamburg · NCT06048172

This study is testing if a specific trauma therapy can help people with both PTSD and psychotic disorders feel better over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedicalschool Hamburg Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamburg)
Trial IDNCT06048172 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure therapy for outpatients suffering from both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a psychotic disorder. Conducted at the Medical School Hamburg, the study will randomly assign participants to receive trauma therapy or be placed in a waiting group. The trial aims to assess the reduction of PTSD and psychosis symptoms over time, with a total of 56 patients expected to be enrolled. The study will utilize a linear mixed model for data analysis, ensuring robust results despite potential dropout rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosed psychotic disorder and comorbid PTSD who are fluent in German.

Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidality, significant cognitive impairment, or recent changes in medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce PTSD and psychosis symptoms, improving the quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for trauma therapy in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a psychotic disorder (F20) or affective disorder with psychotic symptoms(F30) according to DSM-5.
* comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5 (CAPS-5 score ≥ 23)
* At least 18 years old
* Good knowledge of the German language
* Willingness to participate in randomisation and trauma-focused therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Changes in neuroleptic or antidepressant therapy within the last 4 weeks (exclusion of drug effects).
* Any substance dependence with continued use other than nicotine and/or caffeine dependence.
* IQ of 70 or less
* Acute suicidality
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Hamburg

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 Post Traumatic Stress DisorderPTSDPsychosisschizophreniaProlonged Exposure
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.