Testing Early Internet-Based Support to Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in People Aged 16 to 99 After Trauma in Norway

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a preventive intervention called Condensed Internet-delivered Prolonged Exposure CIPE for people experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD about one month after a traumatic event. The goal is to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CIPE when added to usual treatment provided by psychosocial crisis teams in Norwegian municipalities. This study addresses the lack of evidence-based preventive interventions available for victims after crises and disasters in Norway. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either treatment-as-usual TAU alone or TAU plus the CIPE intervention. CIPE is a therapist-supported, internet-based program consisting of four modules delivered over six weeks. Participants are encouraged to engage daily with their therapist through a secure platform and may have phone sessions. The total therapist contact is generally under 60 minutes, while participants work on intervention tasks about six hours weekly. TAU involves proactive support from interdisciplinary crisis teams following national guidelines. Throughout the one-year study period after trauma, participants undergo assessments including the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 at 10 to 13 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-trauma. Other measures include depression, insomnia, grief symptoms, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life. Researchers will monitor use of specialized mental health services and cost-effectiveness. The study aims to understand how CIPE plus usual care compares to usual care alone in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall outcomes.

Early Support After Exposure to Trauma