Pilot Study of Trauma-Focused Therapy Using Prolonged Exposure and EMDR for Young Adults with Psychotic Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Early Intervention Care

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether trauma-focused therapies can be safely and acceptably provided to young adults with psychotic disorders who experience significant post-traumatic stress symptoms. People with psychotic disorders often have histories of trauma such as neglect or abuse, yet trauma treatment is rarely part of standard psychiatric care. This pilot study focuses on testing the feasibility of two established trauma therapies, Prolonged Exposure PE and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR, within an early-intervention program called OPUS. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either up to 12 weekly individual sessions of PE or EMDR alongside their usual OPUS care. PE involves repeated, guided exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations to reduce fear and avoidance, while EMDR uses bilateral sensory stimulation combined with brief exposure to trauma memories to support adaptive processing. Both therapies are delivered by certified clinicians following strict protocols and include ongoing symptom monitoring and coordination with OPUS clinicians. During the study, participants complete clinical interviews and questionnaires before and after treatment to assess trauma symptoms, psychotic symptoms, functioning, well-being, recovery, and any negative effects. Researchers track recruitment, retention, session attendance, treatment adherence, and participant satisfaction. Safety is closely monitored, and therapy can be paused or stopped if needed. The study helps determine if a larger trial to evaluate treatment effects is practical and informs how trauma therapy can be integrated into early psychosis care.

PS-Trauma - Development of Trauma Treatment for Patients With Co-morbid Psychotic Disorders and Traumas