A study of trauma-focused online guided self help versus trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomised to one of two groups. Intervention group: Participants receive Online Guided Self Help based on Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (8 weeks) Control group: Participants receive Face‐to‐face individual Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (up to 12 weeks) Participants in both groups are followed up 16 and 52 weeks post‐randomisation. CONDITION: Post‐traumatic stress disorder following a single traumatic event ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Post‐traumatic stress disorder following a single traumatic event PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in PTSD symtoms Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM5 (CAPS‐5) at 16 weeks. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. PTSD symptoms, as measured using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS‐5) at 52 weeks post randomisation and Impact of Events Scale ‐ Revised (IES‐R) at 16 weeks and 52 weeks post‐randomisation. IES‐R is also completed at each therapy session.; 2. Quality of life is measured using the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 3. Functional impairment is measured using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 4. Depression is measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 5. Anxiety symptoms are measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7) scale at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 6. Alcohol use is measured using the AUDIT‐O questionnaire at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 7. Social Support is measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 8. Insomnia is measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 9. Self‐efficacy is measured using the General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 10. Cognition is measured using the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks; 11. Health care usage using an adapted version of the CSSRI‐EU at baseline, 16 and 52 weeks INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 18 or over 2. Screen positive for PTSD on the Traumatic Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) following a single traumatic event experienced at any age 3. Regular access to the internet in order to complete the modules and homework required by the Guided Self Help (GSH) programme 4. Provide informed consent 5. After a two week monitoring period, continue to meet Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS‐5) criteria for mild to moderate PTSD (less than 50 on the CAPS‐5) 6. PTSD is the primary diagnosis