Culturally Adapted Psychotherapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Switzerland and Germany

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder CPTSD in refugees and asylum seekers, a serious condition linked to prolonged or repeated trauma. The trial evaluates the effect of a culturally adapted version of the Enhanced Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation combined with Narrative Exposure Therapy ESTAIRNET on reducing CPTSD symptoms. This research addresses a gap as these treatments have not been tested in clinical trials among refugee populations, despite evidence suggesting trauma-focused therapies like Narrative Exposure Therapy may reduce symptoms effectively in this group. Participants receive treatment based on the ESTAIR manual, which includes 24 therapy sessions organized into four modules emotion regulation, negative self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and narrative exposure therapy. The narrative exposure therapy replaces modified prolonged exposure with a culturally adapted storytelling approach involving creating a lifeline of life events. The study uses a factorial design with multiple combinations of these modules, and participants are randomized to different module sequences. Treatments are tailored to sociocultural aspects relevant to refugees. Throughout the study, participants are assessed for changes in CPTSD symptoms over 8 months, along with secondary measures like depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, well-being, and dissociative symptoms. Diagnoses are made by local therapists using standard interviews and cultural addenda. The study monitors safety and treatment progress, aiming to improve understanding of effective therapies for CPTSD in displaced populations. Participation extends until the primary outcome is measured at 8 months post-treatment.

Treatment of Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Displaced People in Switzerland and Germany