PACE Versus PE for CPTSD (PACE Trial)

The objective of this pragmatic trial is to evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of Patient-centred Modular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (PACE) compared with the standard post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, Prolonged Exposure (PE), for adults with an ICD-11 diagnosis of Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: ≥18 years. * Referred to PTSD treatment (which requires absence of severe psychiatric comorbidity dominating the clinical presentation, hindering trauma-focused psychotherapy, assessed by the referring clinician at point of referral (e.g. major depressive disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, alcohol- or substance use, and aggressive behaviours)). * Diagnosis of CPTSD according to ICD-11, assessed by the interviewing investigator using the ITI interview. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Current self-harm or severe suicidality defined as at least one self-harm episode or one suicide-attempt the last three months, as assessed by the interviewing investigator. * Any other condition that markedly compromises the participant's ability to adhere to the treatment programme or follow-up, such IQ \< 70 based on clinical judgement. * Currently involved in legal proceedings concerning work accident compensation related to PTSD, or trial regarding child custody. * Does not understand Danish or needs an interpreter.