CompletedNot Applicable

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Group Treatment With War-Exposed Bosnian Adolescents

144 participantsStarted 2000-09

Plain-language summary

Context: This is the first multi-site randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of a group treatment for war-exposed adolescents delivered in-country within a public school system. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a trauma/grief-focused group treatment program in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic grief in war-exposed Bosnian youths attending 10 secondary schools located in Central Bosnia.

Who can participate

Age range

14 Years – 19 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Significant trauma exposure before, during, or after the war (e.g., serious physical injury, life threat, witnessing death or serious injury, traumatic bereavement); * Significant current distress, especially severe persisting symptoms of PTSD, depression, or traumatic grief; * Significant functional impairment in family or peer relationships and school performance Exclusion Criteria: * Acute risk status (e.g., suicidal plans and intent) * Psychosis * Severe substance abuse (severe enough to interfere with engagement in treatment).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

UCLA PTSD Reaction Index

Timeframe: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 4-month follow-up

Depression Self-Rating Scale

Timeframe: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 4-month follow-up

UCLA Grief Scale

Timeframe: Pre-treatment, post-treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00480480

SponsorBrigham Young University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Posttraumatic Stress Disorder trials