Trial results for a study investigating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders in adolescents were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-05-15, with 124 participants enrolled.
Background
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It is particularly challenging in adolescents, especially those in urban, low-income environments, where exposure to violence and trauma can be prevalent. Concurrently, substance use disorders often co-occur with PTSD, complicating treatment and recovery. Effective interventions are crucial for this vulnerable population to address both conditions simultaneously and improve long-term outcomes. This study aimed to provide initial feasibility and efficacy data for the implementation of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in this specific demographic.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 124 participants to investigate conditions including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders. The trial examined the implementation of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for urban, at-risk youth. The primary objective was to gather initial feasibility and efficacy data, examining posttraumatic stress and substance use outcomes, as well as participant responses to the intervention.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements related to posttraumatic stress and substance use:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (score on a scale):
- A mean score of 31.45 (Standard Deviation 20.00) was observed.
- Another mean score was 46 (Standard Deviation 0).
- A third mean score was 18 (Standard Deviation 0).
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) (score on a scale):
- A mean score of 5.12 (Standard Deviation 7.05) was observed.
- Another mean score was 0 (Standard Deviation 0).
- A third mean score was 0 (Standard Deviation 0).
- Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ) (score on a scale):
- A mean score of 7.65 (Standard Deviation 9.90) was observed.
- Another mean score was 0 (Standard Deviation 0).
- A third mean score was 0 (Standard Deviation 0).
What this means
The posted results provide initial data on various outcome measures for PTSD and substance use in urban, low-income adolescents who participated in the study. While the data includes specific mean scores and standard deviations for instruments like the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, AUDIT, and YAACQ, no comparative analyses or statistical significance values were reported. These measurements contribute to the understanding of feasibility and preliminary outcomes of Narrative Exposure Therapy in this population, laying groundwork for future research.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT03737383, titled "Treating Violence-related PTSD and Substance Risk in Low-income, Urban Adolescents", were posted on 2026-05-15 on clinicaltrials.gov.