DECRYPT: Delivery of Cognitive Therapy for Young People after Trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth exposed to multiple traumatic stressors: a phase II randomised controlled trial.
IRAS ID
188916
Contact name
Richard Meiser-Stedman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12077707
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND
Many thousands of UK children and adolescents exposed to traumatic experiences. Youth who develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following these sorts of experiences appear to be particularly vulnerable to significant mental and physical health difficulties. PTSD is highly disturbing and may persist for many years. This is particularly true for youth exposed to multiple traumas (e.g. abuse, domestic violence).Despite the clear needs of this population, no UK studies have examined how this young people with PTSD following multiple trauma exposure might be treated in the NHS. Research by the study team suggests that a psychological therapy called cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) is a powerful treatment for children and people who have developed PTSD following “one-off” traumas (e.g. motor vehicle collisions, violence, accidental injuries).
To date, trials evaluating this intervention have been conducted in highly specialist research clinics by “expert” therapists, rather than front-line NHS settings. Moreover, these trials have not included young people with PTSD following multiple traumas. A recent pilot study conducted by the applicant suggests that this CT-PTSD package is acceptable to this population, and delivers significant improvements in PTSD symptoms.
RESEARCH AIMS
The research comprises a randomised controlled trial that will address the primary research question: is CT-PTSD, delivered in standard clinical settings, an effective treatment for 8-17 year-old youth with PTSD following multiple traumas, relative to treatment as usual?The secondary aims of this study concern the following questions:
i. Does CT-PTSD bring about improvements in anxiety, depression, general functioning and parent-reported mental health in children and adolescents with PTSD, relative to TAU?
ii. Is CT-PTSD a cost-effective treatment?
iii. How does CT-PTSD bring about clinical improvement?
iv. Do any factors stop young people from benefitting from CT-PTSD?
v. Are genetic and epigenetic factors associated with treatment response?
vi. What do young people, their families and CAMHS staff think of this treatment?REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0233
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion