RecruitingInterventional

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for young children with posttraumatic stress disorder

This study, called PYCES2, aims to help young children aged 3 to 8 who have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a single difficult event, like an accident or witnessing violence. PTSD can cause upsetting symptoms such as nightmares and anger. Currently, there isn't an approved UK treatment for very young children with PTSD. This research investigates whether a new therapy called CBT-3M, which involves both the child and parent, can help children recover and manage better day-to-day. Children will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT-3M or standard NHS care. The study will track their progress before, during, and after therapy to see how effective it is.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children aged 3–8 years following a single-incident or short-term trauma such as an accident, medical emergency, or witnessed violence

What is this study about?

Many young children sometimes go through upsetting events, like an accident, a medical emergency, or witnessing something frightening. Sometimes, these events can lead to a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Children with PTSD might have nightmares, sudden strong upsetting memories (flashbacks), get angry easily, or their behaviour or play might change.

While there are good treatments for older children and adults, there isn't currently a specific treatment approved in the UK for very young children, some as young as 3 years old. This is an important gap, and this study aims to fill it by testing a new therapy called CBT-3M.

CBT-3M is a type of talking therapy that focuses on helping children and their parents deal with the trauma. It's designed specifically for young children, using activities like games and storytelling to help them understand what happened and feel safer. The goal is to see if CBT-3M can help these young children recover from PTSD and improve their everyday lives.

Key takeaways

Tests a new therapy for PTSD in very young children (3-8 years).
Focuses on children who experienced a single difficult event.
Compares new therapy (CBT-3M) to usual NHS care.
Involves children and their parents in therapy sessions.
Aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve daily life.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 3 and 8 years old who have developed PTSD after experiencing a single, difficult event. This could be something like an accident, a medical emergency, or witnessing violence. A parent or main caregiver will also need to take part.

However, some children won't be able to join the study. This includes children who are currently in a situation where they might experience further trauma or abuse, or if they have had a serious head injury or brain damage.

Children with a learning disability or another mental health condition that needs treatment urgently before PTSD will also not be able to participate. Also, families where English cannot be spoken will not be able to join, as the therapy is designed to be delivered in English.

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 your child aged between 3 and 8 years old?
Does your child have a diagnosis of PTSD from a single difficult event?
Is your child not currently in an unsafe situation or at risk of ongoing trauma?
Does your child not have a serious head injury, brain damage, or another mental health condition needing treatment first?
Can you and your family speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you and your child decide to take part, your child will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, a bit like drawing names from a hat. This means they will either receive the new therapy, CBT-3M, or the usual care provided by the NHS for their condition.

If your child is in the CBT-3M group, you will attend 12 weekly therapy sessions. These sessions involve both your child and you as the parent/caregiver, and use child-friendly activities to help your child process the trauma. Throughout the study, assessments will be done before, during, and after the therapy to understand how well it's working and how families are experiencing it. The total duration of active participation will be a few months for the therapy sessions, plus follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in the therapy group may offer benefits such as reducing your child's PTSD symptoms and helping them develop better ways to cope. While risks are generally low, it's possible your child might experience some temporary emotional discomfort when discussing the difficult event. The study team will provide support and guidance throughout, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

MRC-Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
Unverified
Cambridge, England
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Cambridge, England
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Beckenham, England
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Norwich NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England

Common questions

What is PTSD in young children?

PTSD in young children means they have upsetting symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anger, or changes in behaviour after a difficult event.

What is CBT-3M?

CBT-3M is a special type of talking therapy designed for young children with PTSD. It involves both the child and parent, using games and stories to help the child understand and cope with what happened.

How long does the study last?

The study itself runs from June 2025 to March 2028. If your child takes part in the therapy, there will be 12 weekly sessions plus follow-up assessments over several months.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is based in Cambridge and involves some NHS sites in Cambridge, Norwich, and South-East London.

Who is paying for this research?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK is funding this study.

How to find out more

Alicja Podgorski

alicja.podgorski@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk +44 (0)1223769906 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.