Psychological Trauma and PTSD in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

This study is looking at how psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect adults who were born with heart conditions (congenital heart disease). Researchers want to understand what experiences in a person's life with congenital heart disease might lead to a higher chance of developing PTSD. They will use surveys, including the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), to gather information. Some participants will also have interviews with a clinician to diagnose PTSD. The study aims to identify characteristics that are linked to a PTSD diagnosis and to see how common PTSD is in this group. You can join if you are 18 or older, have congenital heart disease, are part of the CHI registry, and can complete surveys in English online. The study plans to include 1000 people.

Study design
This is an observational study, meaning no interventions are being tested. It aims to enroll 1000 participants.
What's involved
You would complete approximately two surveys online. A subset of patients will also participate in diagnostic clinician interviews.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), is measured at a one-time survey during months 1-2.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06952933

Psychological Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Resilience in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
~1,000 participants
Updated 2026-03-25 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Other

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Measured over One-time survey. Distribute to patients during months ~1-2.
Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
PTSD

NCT06952933

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Children's National Medical Center

    Washington D.C., District of Columbiastudy coordinator listed

    Not yet recruiting

  • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

    Lebanon, New Hampshirestudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, Ohiostudy coordinator listed

    Not yet recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Want this trial checked against your situation?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Congenital heart disease diagnosis, age \>= 18 years
Enrolled in CHI registry
English proficiency for survey completion
Access to an internet connection. Can be via computer or handheld device.

Exclusion

Any who opt out
Age \< 18 years
No diagnosis of congenital heart disease
Not enrolled in CHI registry/unable to access Internet
  • PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)One-time survey. Distribute to patients during months ~1-2.

    A 20-item survey of the five domains of PTSD as described by the DSM-5. Each item is on a five-point Likert scale describing severity of symptoms (bothered by symptoms "not at all" to "extremely"). Each item is graded 0 to 4, for a total PCL-5 score ranging from 0 to 80. Historical studies have recommended a cutoff for PTSD-positive around 31 to 33. This study will attempt to validate the proper cutoff in the ACHD population using the diagnostic interview.