Halden

Researchers are evaluating a preventive intervention called Condensed Internet-delivered Prolonged Exposure (CIPE) for people who have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) about one month after experiencing a traumatic event. The study aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CIPE in Norwegian municipal psychosocial crisis services, comparing it to usual treatment. This research addresses the lack of evidence-based preventive options available for trauma victims in Norway and explores how CIPE may reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, insomnia, prolonged grief, and the need for specialized mental health care. CIPE is a therapist-supported program delivered online through four modules. It includes education about normal trauma reactions, exposure techniques to confront reminders of trauma both in real life and imagination, and a breathing exercise. Participants receive CIPE alongside treatment as usual (TAU), which varies but generally involves psychological first aid, psychoeducation, social support activation, and practical help. The study compares outcomes between those receiving CIPE plus TAU and those receiving only TAU. Participants are involved for at least 6 weeks after starting treatment, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months post-trauma. Researchers assess symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and measure depression, insomnia, prolonged grief, treatment satisfaction, and referrals to specialized care. The study also evaluates quality of life and cost-effectiveness of adding CIPE to usual care. Participants must complete questionnaires and provide informed consent, with language requirements for English or Norwegian speakers aged 16 to 99 years.

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition causing red, warm, and painful extremities, often triggered by warmth. Its cause is not fully understood, and managing pain is difficult because no single treatment works for everyone. Patients often experience lower quality of life due to persistent pain. This trial seeks to test how effective spinal cord stimulation is for treating pain that does not respond to other treatments in erythromelalgia. The study compares two procedures: burst spinal cord stimulation, which delivers complex high-frequency pulses to manage pain, and a sham spinal cord stimulation where a device is implanted but no stimulation is given. Participants first undergo a two-week trial with tonic stimulation to see if their pain improves by at least 2 points on a pain scale. Those who qualify then continue with the assigned treatment. Participants will be adults aged 18 or older with chronic, treatment-resistant erythromelalgia pain lasting at least six months and a minimum pain score of 5 out of 10. Researchers will monitor changes in pain levels over six months. The study includes regular assessments of pain intensity and safety monitoring by the study physician throughout the trial.