Understanding and improving treatments for PTSD
Official title: PT-STRESS Study: A Two-phase RCT Aimed at Predicting Treatment Success and Dealing With Non-response in the Treatment of PTSD; by Alternating Between Two Trauma-focused Treatments (EMDR/PE) or by Switching to Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Run by University of Groningen · NCT06279598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find better ways to help adults with PTSD by testing different therapy options to see if switching treatments can improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 442 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Deventer) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 20, 2031 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | February 28, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06279598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a primary diagnosis of PTSD who are willing to participate in the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received evidence-based trauma-oriented treatment for PTSD in the past year may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of psychological treatments for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by identifying predictors of treatment success and exploring alternative therapies for those who do not respond to initial treatments. It investigates three psychotherapeutic approaches: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The study will assess whether switching therapies or offering additional treatments can improve outcomes for patients who experience insufficient response to their first treatment. By personalizing treatment options, the study seeks to address the significant number of patients who do not benefit from standard therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches in personalizing PTSD treatment, but this study aims to further refine and expand on those findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who were classified with a primary diagnosis of PTSD (based on the DSM-5 criteria). * Adults who are willing to participate in the study (informed consent) Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient proficiency in the Dutch language. * Patients who cannot follow the treatment protocol (for example due to prolonged absence) are excluded from the study. * Patients who use medication that is not stable. If properly set to the last prescribed medication by the doctor there will be advised to continue and referably not change the medication and its dose during treatment, unless necessary in connection with side effects, crisis, etc. * Patients that already received an evidence-based form of trauma-oriented treatment for PTSD in the past year and for sufficient treatment duration, in accordance to the Dutch professional practice guidelines (reference: Akwa GGZ (2020, December 1). GGZ Standaarden. Psychotrauma- en stressorgerelateerde stoornissen. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.ggzstandaarden.nl/zorgstandaarden/psychotrauma-en-stressorgerelateerde-stoornissen/introductie). * Patients with serious suicidality that requires acute intervention and structural addition of additional treatment interventions. * Patients with an intellectual disability. * Patients with a serious addiction as a comorbid problem. * Patients with an acute mania or a psychotic state.
Where it's running
-
Dimence
Deventer, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maarten K van Dijk, PhD — Dimence
- Study coordinator: Maarten K van Dijk, PhD
- Email: m.vandijk@dimence.nl
- Phone: +31 0570-604000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Trauma-focused group therapy for adults with trauma symptoms in primary care
A group-based trauma therapy delivered in primary care to see if it helps adults with trauma-related symptoms more than usual care.
-
Preventive Narrative Exposure for PTSD After Cardiac Surgery in the ICU
In adults having cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery, this trial tests whether an ICU-based narrative exposure intervention helps prevent posttraumatic stress symptoms compared with standard care.
-
MOCHA: Inpatient Mental Health Care for High-Risk Pregnancy
This study tests a collaborative mental health program for pregnant or recently postpartum patients hospitalized for medical problems to see if it can be delivered feasibly and acceptably.
-
Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation to reduce stress after ICU hospitalization
This trial will try Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation (ERCS), a noninvasive skin‑touch technique, to see if it lowers perceived stress in adults recovering in a post‑ICU rehabilitation unit.
-
SMART treatment for youth with complex trauma
This trial tests whether Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) helps kids aged 7–17 with developmental trauma more than usual therapy.
-
Adaptive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Therapist Training
This project tests different sequences of training methods to find the best way to help VA therapists learn and stick to Cognitive Processing Therapy so Veterans with PTSD get higher-quality care.
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.