Group-based Stabilization and Skill Training for Patients With Lasting Posttraumatic Reactions in Mental Health Care

Launched by ST. OLAVS HOSPITAL · Mar 21, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people who are struggling with long-lasting reactions after experiencing traumatic events, such as stress disorders and other mental health issues. The researchers want to find out if adding a group-based stabilization and skill-training program to regular individual therapy can improve the well-being of patients. In this study, half of the participants will receive both the group program and their usual treatment, while the other half will only receive the usual individual therapy.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be between the ages of 65 to 74 or 27 to 39, currently receiving treatment at outpatient clinics, and have experienced distressing events that have led to symptoms like feeling overly anxious, avoiding certain situations, or having trouble with emotions and relationships for at least six months. It’s important for participants to be able to understand and speak Norwegian to take part in the group activities. People with serious mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or those who have taken part in this program before will not be included in the study. If you join, you can expect to work in a supportive group setting, where you will learn skills to help manage your symptoms better alongside your regular therapy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Receiving treatment in ordinary out-patient clinics
• • Having been exposed to or witnessing to traumatic event(s) defined as "one or several extremely threatening or horrific events or series of events or situations being of such a character which is likely to overwhelming distress in almost anyone in a similar situation", measured by Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire
• • Presenting with posttraumatic reactions such as hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusions, emotional dysregulation or interpersonal difficulties.
• • Symptom duration for a minimum of six months.
• • Understand and speak Norwegian to an extent that is required to participate in a stabilization- and skill-training group.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active psychotic symptoms.
• • Substance or drug addiction or abuse.
• • High suicidal risk considered by the individual therapist.
• • Having participated in the course previously.