Can writing help heal teen trauma? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07325734
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a guided writing therapy for adolescents aged 10-18 with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). About 130 teens will be randomly assigned to either the writing therapy or supportive counseling. The writing program involves 7-10 sessions where teens write about their trauma, emotions, and coping strategies. Researchers will measure symptom changes right after treatment and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- guided written exposure therapy (behavioral intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a practical, low-cost therapy option for teens with complex PTSD, reducing symptoms like emotional distress and negative self-concept.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial (130 participants) in one country (China), so results may not apply broadly. The therapy is intensive and may not suit all teens.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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About 130 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged between 10 and 18 years; 2. Meet the diagnostic or subclinical criteria for Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), defined as missing at most one symptom from either the PTSD or DSO clusters; 3. Possess sufficient literacy and language skills to complete writing-based tasks; 4. Be able to understand the study procedures and complete the required assessments; 5. Provide written informed consent, with consent also obtained from their legal guardians. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of a severe psychiatric disorder or neurodevelopmental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other severe psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study participation; 2. Presence of a severe physical illness that would impair the ability to engage in the intervention; 3. Assessed as being at high suicidal risk (e.g., current suicidal ideation with intent or plan, recent suicide attempt within the past 12 months, or severe self-harm behaviors); 4. Ongoing exposure to traumatic events; 5. Currently receiving other trauma-focused psychological treatments.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Changchun middle school
COMPLETEDFuyang, Anhui, China
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Peking University
RECRUITINGBeijing, Beijing Municipality, China
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Ulanhot No. 1 High School
COMPLETEDUlanhot, Inner Mongolia, 137400, China
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Urumqi No. 74 Middle School
COMPLETEDÜrümqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China
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