Narrative Exposure Therapy Versus Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The present study is a pragmatic trial that investigates the efficacy and usefulness of two treatment modules in a sample of Rwandan genocide orphans: Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) versus group-Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). We used a half year baseline to measure the treatment-induced changes. We hypothesized that there would be a greater reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms in the NET- than in the IPT-group and that IPT would be superior to NET in the reduction of depression symptoms.

Detailed Description
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The 1994 genocide of Rwanda has left countless children orphaned. 26 Rwandan orphans who fulfilled DSM-IV diagnosis of PTSD were offered participation in a controlled treatment trial. A group adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT, n = 14) was compared to Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET, n = 12). Main outcome measures were symptoms of PTSD and depression assessed pre-treatment, 3 months after therapy (post-test) and 6 months after therapy (follow-up) using the CAPS, MINI and Hamilton Rating Scale. At post-test, participants in both treatment conditions showed reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression symptoms. At 6-month follow-up, NET proved to be more effective in the treatment of PTSD. Only 25% (n = 3) of NET-participants but 71% (n = 10) of the IPT-participants still fulfilled PTSD criteria at follow-up. Although there was a significant reduction in depression symptoms in both treatment groups from pre-test to follow-up, NET again proved to be more effective. This treatment-trial demonstrates that NET and group-IPT are suitable treatment modules even when most severe traumatic stress and difficult living conditions have led to chronic mental suffering.

Official Title
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Narrative Exposure Therapy Versus Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy -A Controlled Clinical Trial With Orphaned Survivors of the Rwandan Genocide

Conditions
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Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Narrative Exposure Therapy
* Behavioral: group IPT
* Other: 6 months-baseline


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Rwandan orphans who have experienced the genocide, who lost at least one parent during the genocide and who were no older than 18 years during the genocide Exclusion Criteria: Mental retardation Psychotic symptoms or current drug or alcohol

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 13 Years
Maximum Age: 29 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
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>NET | Behavioral: Narrative Exposure Therapy<br> <br> |
| No Intervention: 3<br>6-months baseline | Other: 6 months-baseline<br> <br> |
| Experimental: 2<br>group IPT | Behavioral: group IPT<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, symptoms of depression |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy