The Effectiveness of Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex PTSD in Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex PTSD in Adolescents: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of group Guided Written Exposure Therapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (GWE-C) among Chinese adolescents through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 120 participants will be recruited, with 60 randomized to the GWE-C group and 60 randomized to the supportive therapy (ST) group. The GWE-C intervention will consist of 7 to 10 group sessions. The primary outcome, assessed by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), will be measured at baseline, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up.

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.