The Effectiveness of Group-Delivered Guided Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD and CPTSD Among Adolescents : A Pilot Study

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

The study aims to examine the effectiveness of group-delivered guided written exposure therapy (GWE) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in Chinese adolescents through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 participants will be recruited, with 25 randomized to the GWE group and 25 to the waiting-list (WL) group. The GWE intervention will consist of 5 to 8 group sessions. The primary outcome, PTSD and CPTSD symptom severity, will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.

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.