Development of the PTSD-iMPACT to Measure PTSD-Related Functional Impairment in Children and Adolescents - A Validation Study in Switzerland and Germany
This study is creating and testing a new tool called the PTSD-iMPACT. Its purpose is to accurately measure how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects the daily lives of children and teenagers. Many young people experience upsetting events, and some develop PTSD or similar struggles, which can make everyday activities like school or spending time with friends very difficult. Currently, there isn't a good way to consistently measure these specific difficulties. The PTSD-iMPACT aims to fill this gap. Researchers are testing this tool in Switzerland and Germany to ensure it works well. Ultimately, this research hopes to improve the care and support young people receive when dealing with the effects of trauma.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many children and teenagers go through tough or upsetting events in their lives. While most recover well, some might develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where they keep re-living the event in their minds and feel anxious or sad. Even more young people might have some symptoms of trauma (like flashbacks or nightmares) that aren't severe enough to be called full PTSD, but still make their daily lives hard.
These difficulties can show up in many ways. For example, a young person might struggle at school, find it hard to maintain friendships, withdraw from family, or lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed. Right now, it's not always easy for doctors and therapists to accurately measure just how much these trauma symptoms are affecting a child's everyday life, which can make it harder to provide the best support. They either use very general tools or ones that don't quite capture the specific challenges young people face.
This study is aiming to fix this problem by developing and testing a new special questionnaire called the PTSD-iMPACT. This tool was created by first looking at existing methods and then talking directly to children and teenagers who have experienced trauma, as well as their parents. The goal is to have a reliable way to understand how PTSD affects different parts of a young person's life – like their family relationships, schoolwork, friendships, and hobbies. By precisely identifying these challenges, healthcare professionals can offer more targeted and effective help, ultimately improving the lives of children and teenagers struggling with trauma.
Key takeaways
- New tool (PTSD-iMPACT) to measure daily impact of trauma on young people.
- Aims to help children and teenagers experiencing PTSD or similar symptoms.
- Focuses on how trauma affects school, friends, and family life.
- Not a treatment, but an assessment tool to improve future care.
- Looking for participants (aged 3-18 with caregiver if young) who speak German.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for two main groups of participants. The first group is made up of children and teenagers (aged 7 to 18) who are already receiving mental health support, and their parents or guardians (for children aged 3 to 18). You would need to be using mental health services at one of the study centres taking part.
The second group is for young people who are not currently receiving mental health support. This group is only being recruited in Switzerland and includes students from kindergarten up to 18 years old, and their parents or guardians for younger children. For both groups, it's important that you understand and speak German well enough to complete the questionnaires, as the study is being conducted in that language.
Therefore, if you are outside the age ranges mentioned (for example, younger than 3 or older than 18), or if you don't speak German, you wouldn't be able to take part in this specific study. Also, both the young person and their parent/guardian (where applicable) would need to agree by signing a consent form to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is the potential participant aged between 7 and 18 years old? (Or am I a parent/guardian of a child aged 3 to 18?)
- Do I/does the young person understand and speak German well?
- If the young person is 7-18, are they able to sign a consent form, and am I (as a parent/guardian) also able to sign?
- If the young person is 3-6, am I (as a parent/guardian) able to sign a consent form?
What does participation involve?
This study involves completing questionnaires. There are versions for children and teenagers (aged 7 to 18) to fill out themselves, and versions for parents or guardians (for children aged 3 to 18). The aim is to understand how a young person's daily life is affected by trauma symptoms across different areas like family, school, and friendships. You would not receive any medication as part of this study, nor would there be any specific medical interventions. The total duration of your participation would involve completing these questionnaires, but the exact number of visits or assessments isn't specified, though it's likely a one-off or limited set of sessions to complete the tool.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (11)
- Traumaambulanz, Universitätsklinikum AachenVerified postcodeAachen, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Otto-Friedrich-Universität BambergVerified postcodeBamberg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie, Katholische Universität Eichstätt-IngolstadtVerified postcodeEichstätt, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Zentrum für Psychotherapie Bodensee (apb)Verified postcodeKonstanz, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Kinder- und Jugendlichen-Psychotherapie-Ambulanz (KJ-PAM) MarburgVerified postcodeMarburg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgVerified postcodeOldenburg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Ulm UniversityVerified postcodeUlm, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services ThurgauVerified postcodeFrauenfeld, Switzerland· Recruiting
- • Parent-Child Consultation 0-5 of The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services St. GallenVerified postcodeSankt Gallen, Switzerland· Recruiting
- Cantonal Hospital WinterthurVerified postcodeWinterthur, Switzerland· Recruiting
- University Children's Hospital ZurichVerified postcodeZurich, Switzerland· Recruiting
Common questions
What is PTSD-iMPACT?
PTSD-iMPACT is a new tool being developed to measure how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects a child's or teenager's daily life, like at school or with friends.
Is this a treatment study?
No, this is not a treatment study. It's about developing and testing a new assessment tool, not a new medicine or therapy.
Who can take part in this study?
Children and teenagers aged 7 to 18 (or their parents for younger children aged 3-6) who speak German. Some participants will be getting mental health support, others won't (this non-clinical group is only in Switzerland).
Will I have to take any medication?
No, this study does not involve taking any medication or any medical interventions.
Why is this study important?
It aims to create a better way to understand how trauma affects young people's daily lives, which can ultimately lead to better support and care for them.
How to find out more
Lasse Bartels, Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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