Can asylum-seekers with posttraumatic stress disorder be successfully treated? A randomized controlled pilot study.
Rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are exceptionally high among asylum-seekers. Reportedly, stressors caused by the asylum procedure and psychological consequences of torture contribute to the maintenance of symptoms and interfere with treatment. In a pilot randomized controlled trial, the authors examined the efficacy of trauma-focused treatment in 32 asylum-seekers with PTSD resulting from state-sponsored violence and other traumatic events. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) was compared with treatment as usual (TAU), with a focus on stabilization and psychoactive medication. Six months after treatment, a significant reduction of posttraumatic stress symptoms was found in the NET participants but not in the TAU group. Although treatment gains were moderate, these results indicate that NET is a promising approach for the treatment of PTSD in asylum-seekers living in unstable conditions.
Neuner
Frank
F
Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Germany. frank.neuner@uni-bielefeld.de <frank.neuner@uni-bielefeld.de>
Kurreck
Silke
S
Ruf
Martina
M
Odenwald
Michael
M
Elbert
Thomas
T
Schauer
Maggie
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D014104:Torture / Q000523:psychology*