Writing away trauma: group therapy shows promise for teens with PTSD
NCT ID NCT06403449
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested a group-based writing therapy for Chinese teenagers with PTSD or complex PTSD. 53 teens took part, with some receiving the therapy right away and others placed on a waiting list. The therapy involved 5 to 8 group sessions where participants wrote about their traumatic experiences. Results showed that the writing therapy helped reduce PTSD symptoms, and the improvements lasted for at least 3 months after treatment.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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53 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Finished
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Oct 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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10 to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adolescents aged 10-18 years. 2. Meeting full or subthreshold PTSD (up to one symptom missing) diagnostic criteria according to the Child PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (CPSS-5-I). 3. If taking psychotropic medication, currently stabilized on psychotropic medication for at least four weeks. 4. Capable of writing and understanding written instructions. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of severe psychopathology necessitating immediate medical attention 2. Moderate to high suicide risk (e.g., intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future) 3. Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury 4. Currently undergoing psychotherapy specifically for PTSD.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Jishishan County Resettlement Middle School
Linxia, Gansu, 731700, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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