Narrative Exposure Therapy Versus Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Phase 2

Terminated

• Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Depression; Narrative Exposure Therapy; Interpersonal Psychotherapy
• Interventions: Behavioral: Narrative Exposure Therapy; Other: 6 months-baseline; Behavioral: group IPT

• Registration Number: NCT00623298
• Lead Sponsor: University of Konstanz

Brief Summary

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

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2005-01
• Study Completion: 2006-03
• Status Verified: 2008-02
• Study First Submitted: 2008-02-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2008-02-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2008-02-25
• Study First Posted: 2008-02-26
• Last Update Posted: 2008-02-26

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: TERMINATED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 26

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
1	Narrative Exposure Therapy	NET
3	6 months-baseline	6-months baseline
2	group IPT	group IPT

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, symptoms of depression