Empowering Narratives

Recruiting · NCT07062042 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: Kristiania University College

View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Depression

Interventions studied

Narrative Exposure Therapy

What this trial is about

Background: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in forced displacement, with over 80,000 Ukrainian refugees now residing in Norway. This displacement has led to increased vulnerability to trauma and mental health challenges. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a short-term trauma-focused intervention, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms among individuals exposed to organized violence and war. Aim: The protocol aims to assess the clinical effects of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) on PTSD and depression symptoms among Ukrainian refugees in Norway and to facilitate training and supervised practice for Ukrainian health professionals and workers in using NET. Methods: This study employs a pretest-posttest randomized controlled experimental design. Ukrainian health professionals and workers in Norway will receive standardized NET training through a digital course. Subsequently, they will treat Ukrainian refugees using NET under supervision. Participants will be screened and assessed at three time points: baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. Validated questionnaires in Ukrainian and Russian will be used: PHQ-9, ITQ, LEC-5, SHUT-D, and demographic questionnaire. Exclusion criteria include active psychotic spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and concurrent trauma therapy.

Who can take part

Age range

18 Years and older

Sex

All (male and female)

Healthy volunteers

No - a diagnosis or condition is required

Phase

Not applicable (e.g. observational or device study)

Study type

Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment)

Inclusion criteria

Ukrainian refugee residing in Norway.
Arrival in Norway after 24 February 2022.
Minimum 18 years old
Provided informed consent for participation.
Classified as having PTSD symptoms (ITQ) OR reported traumatic experience (LEC-5) OR present PTSD comorbidities (PHQ-9, Shut-D).

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosis, history, or scores compatible with the psychotic spectrum
Diagnostic of neurodevelopmental disorders
Current participation in ongoing trauma-focused psychological treatment (e.g., therapy for PTSD).
Declining consent for mandatory elements of the study (e.g., participation in screening or treatment delivery).

Where it is running

1 location listed.

Kristinia University of Applied Sciences - Oslo, Norway

Read the full protocol, contacts and eligibility on ClinicalTrials.gov →