RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05421494

The Effectiveness of Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD

The Effectiveness of Online Revised Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Randomized Controlled Trials


Sponsor

Peking University

Enrollment

135 participants

Start Date

Jun 15, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Study 1: The goal of this study is to use a pilot RCT to assess the effectiveness of Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and a mindfulness-based app (MBA) for managing PTSD and comorbid insomnia in China. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does WET alone reduce PTSD symptoms in Chinese patients with PTSD and subthreshold PTSD? 2. Does the addition of MBA to WET lead to greater reductions in comorbid insomnia symptoms compared to WET alone? 45 participants will be allocated to MCC, WET, and WET+MBA on a 1:1:1 ratio. Researchers will compare WET alone and MCC to see if WET provides benefits in managing PTSD. Researchers will compare WET plus MBA and WET group to see if the integrated MBA treatment provides additional benefits in managing insomnia. Study 2: The study aims to examine the effectiveness of the online revised written exposure therapy (WET-R) for PTSD and subclinical PTSD among Chinese adults with a randomized controlled trial. The study will recruit 90 participants, with 60 randomized to the online WET-R group, and 30 randomized to the minimal contact control (MCC) group. The WET-R intervention consists of 5-7 one to one sessions. The primary outcome PTSD Symptom Scale - Interview for DSM-5 (PSSI-5) will be administered on baseline, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up assessments.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing Written Exposure Therapy (WET) — a brief, structured written journaling approach — as a treatment for PTSD. Instead of traditional talk therapy, participants write in detail about their traumatic experiences over several sessions, which research suggests can help reduce trauma symptoms. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 65 years old - You have a diagnosis of PTSD or significant PTSD symptoms (assessed through a clinical interview) - If you take psychiatric medications, your dose has been stable for at least 4 weeks - You own a smartphone **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have active suicidal intent with a plan - You have a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia) - You are currently in active crisis or another intensive treatment program - You have a significant cognitive impairment that prevents writing - You are currently receiving another trauma-focused therapy Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALwritten exposure therapy-revised version

WET-R is a manualized exposure-based therapy program consisting of 5-7 sequential individual sessions. The interval between every 2 consecutive sessions is 0-3 days. There will be 5-7 one to one online sessions in total (only one index trauma will be discussed), and 1-3 weeks to complete. Sessions are scheduled to last for 1 hour in the first session and 50 minutes in other sessions.

BEHAVIORALminimal contact control

Participants assigned to MCC will be asked to not work with other therapists or seek additional treatment for trauma-related difficulties during the 3-week MCC period. They will be video-called once per week by a therapist to monitor their status and to provide support as needed. The calls will be limited to 10-15 minutes. MCC participants will also be given contact information to use in case of worsening symptoms or increasing distress.


Locations(1)

Peking University

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

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NCT05421494


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