Extrait

Background and study aims Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder which can affect people following incidents such as road traffic accidents, assaults and natural disasters. This study is looking at a treatment for PTSD in children and young people who have recently experienced trauma. It is already known that the talking therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help children and young people who have had PTSD for some time (chronic) but it is not known if it helps them in the acute (recent) stage. It is felt to be important to help children and young people in the early stages as the condition could become chronic and affect their development. The main aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of CBT as an early intervention for PTSD in children and young people. The researchers will also look at the course and prevalence of PTSD in the first 2 months after the traumatic event. Finally possible biological and psychological factors that may be associated with PTSD will be investigated. Who can participate? 60 children and young people aged 8-17 who have experienced a road traffic accident, an assault or other single traumatic event and have a diagnosis of PTSD. What does the study involve? In the main study, participants are randomly allocated into two groups to either receive a course of up to 10 sessions of CBT or to be put on the waiting list. This allows the researchers to compare the differences between those who receive CBT and those that don’t (those on the waiting list who are still experiencing PTSD after 10 weeks will be offered CBT). Participants are recruited 2-4 weeks after the traumatic event and re-assessed after 2 months. Participants from the CBT group are also assessed after 6 and 12 months to see if any benefits are maintained. For the other parts of the study, two more groups of 60 children of similar age and gender are recruited. One group will have experienced a traumatic event but without developing significant PTSD symptoms and the other group will not have experienced trauma. Participants undergo a series of psychological and physical tests. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The study will provide important information about the development of PTSD in children and young people, what factors effect recovery and whether CBT is an appropriate early treatment. There were no major risks of participating. Where is the study run from? MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2010 to August 2013 Who is funding the study? Medical Research Council (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Richard Meiser-Stedman [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn