Parent-Led, Therapist-Assisted Treatment for Children Aged 7-12 with Post-Traumatic Stress in Norwegian Municipal Services

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a parent-led, therapist-assisted trauma treatment called Stepping Together for Children after Trauma ST-CT for children aged 7 to 12 who have developed moderate symptoms of posttraumatic stress following trauma. The study aims to compare ST-CT with usual care to see if it more effectively reduces symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and sleep disorders while improving daily functioning for children and their parents. It also examines the cost-effectiveness of ST-CT and its potential to prevent long-term use of healthcare services and prescribed drugs. The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted in Norwegian municipal first-line services with 160 child-parent pairs. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the ST-CT intervention or usual care. ST-CT involves 11 at-home meetings and workbook tasks over 6-9 weeks, weekly calls, and five therapist sessions. Children who respond well continue to a 6-week maintenance phase. If the workbook is not completed or symptoms persist, care transfers to specialized mental health services. Usual care includes the standard treatments provided by therapists in the municipal services. Participants and their caregivers will be assessed at five time points before treatment, mid-treatment or 9 weeks, post-treatment or 15 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months after baseline. Assessments include post-traumatic stress symptoms, mood, sleep disturbances, trauma-related thoughts, parent-child communication, quality of life, somatic symptoms, anger outbursts, and healthcare service use. Sleep quality is also measured objectively with a sensor. The study tracks symptom changes during treatment and examines family dynamics related to recovery. This comprehensive follow-up lasts up to one year after starting treatment.

Stepping Together for Children After Trauma, Norway