New Research Study Offers Support for Teenagers Experiencing Trauma and Sleep Difficulties

Flinders University is seeking participants for the Child and Adolescent Treatment for Trauma and Sleep (CHATTS) research study, which aims to investigate how a combined treatment approach can help young people who have experienced a traumatic event and are struggling with post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep disturbances. 

Conducted by the Flinders Sleep and Psychology Laboratory, the study is designed for adolescents aged 13 to 18 years who have been exposed to trauma and are experiencing ongoing difficulties related to trauma and sleep. 

What Participation Involves 

Participants will complete three stages throughout the study: 

1. Initial Assessment 
   An interview, questionnaires, and one week of sleep tracking before therapy begins. 
2. Ten Sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
   Participants will attend ten therapy sessions focused on both sleep and trauma, delivered by a trained therapist using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques. 
3. Follow-Up Assessments 
   After completing therapy, participants will undertake an interview, questionnaires, and sleep tracking, with an additional follow-up assessment conducted three months later. 

Eligibility 

Young people aged 13–18 years may be eligible to participate if they: 

• Have experienced a traumatic event. 
• Are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. 
• Have sleep-related difficulties or disturbances.

How to Get Involved 

Families interested in learning more about the CHATTS study or arranging a phone screening can use the study QR code or contact the research team via email at CHATTS@flinders.edu.au. 

The study has received approval from the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee (SAC HREC Approval #2023/HRE00269). 

For individuals experiencing a crisis, support services are available, including Assessment and Crisis Intervention Services (ACIS), Lifeline, and Kids Helpline.