Trajectories of Psychopathology in Response to NET

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) has been proven to be effective in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related depression in more than a dozen controlled clinical trials. Symptom reduction was greatest during long-term follow-ups after the completion of the therapy. In the current study, we will investigate the progression of PTSD symptoms and emotional stress before, during and after therapy. After a semi-structured interview all participants will be asked to report in monthly telephone interviews their core symptoms. Structured interviews after 6 and 12 months are used to validate the outcome. A convenience sample of individuals with a PTSD will be offered participation in the study.

Detailed Description
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Participants will be recruited through the Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology, University of Konstanz, with focus on refugees. All of them (approx. 100) will receive a structured interview and a detailed diagnosis. The interview includes questions about sociodemography, traumatic events, PTSD and depression symptomatology. Individuals with a PTSD diagnosis (up to 30) will be offered a Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). Irrespective of treatment and diagnosis, respondents are asked to participate in monthly telephone interviews assessing trauma-related and emotional distress and changes in life. Interviews assessing PTSD, depression symptoms and emotional distress will be conducted 6 and 12 months after the initial interview. In addition, participants receiving NET will rate their PTSD symptoms and functionality prior to each therapy session.

Official Title
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Progression and Remittance of Traumatic Stress-related Symptoms During and After Narrative Exposure Therapy

Conditions
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Narrative Exposure Therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: For treatment group: PTSD diagnosis (DSM-IV or V) For non-treatment group: none Exclusion Criteria: Acute psychosis Cerebro-organic disease Acute drug or alcohol intoxication Already receiving another psychotherapy Anti-epileptic drugs at baseline

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Narrative Exposure Therapy<br>Participants with a PTSD diagnosis | Behavioral: Narrative Exposure Therapy<br>* 8 - 15 sessions: 1 lifeline session, 5 - 12 sessions narrative exposure, 1-2 sessions of future-oriented counselling<br>* Other names: NET;|
| No Intervention: no / standard treatment<br>Participants with a PTSD diagnosis / other mental health problems / no mental health problems | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in the progression of PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) | PTSD symptoms are measured with the PTSD Checklist - 5 (PCL-5; Weathers, Litz, et al., 2013) | baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in the progression of emotional distress symptoms (RHS-15) | Emotional distress symptoms are measured with the Refugee Health Screener - 15 (RHS-15; Hollifield, et al., 2013) | up to 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Course, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Narrative Exposure Therapy