The Effectiveness of Group-Delivered Guided Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD and CPTSD Among Chinese Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Group-Delivered Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD and Complex PTSD Among Chinese Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The study aims to examine the effectiveness of the group-delivered guided written exposure therapy (GWE) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD among Chinese adolescents with a randomized controlled trial. The study will recruit 50 participants, with 25 randomized to the GWE group and 25 randomized to the waiting list (WL) group. The GWE intervention consists of 5-8 group sessions. The primary outcome PCL-5 ( PTSD Checklist-5) and ITQ-CA (International Trauma Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent Version) will be administered on baseline, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescents aged 10-18 years.
2. Meeting full or subthreshold PTSD (up to one symptom missing).
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.