The Short-term Effects of PRISMA on Mental Health

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH · Jan 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the short-term effects of a program called PRISMA on the mental health of individuals in pretrial detention. Many people in these situations experience issues like anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. The trial, approved by the Swiss Federal Justice Department, is taking place in 11 detention centers in Zurich and Bern. It aims to improve the mental well-being of detainees by offering them better psychological support and addressing the social challenges they face while incarcerated.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and entering pretrial detention in one of the selected facilities. They should be fluent in one of the languages offered for the program, which include German, English, and several others. Participants will receive support through the PRISMA program, which is based on proven psychological strategies to help them cope with the stress of detention and prepare for life after release. This trial is important because it seeks to provide valuable insights to improve the detention experience and help individuals reintegrate into society more smoothly.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • • Entering pretrial detention inmate in any of the 11 pretrial detention facilities in the Cantons of Zurich and Bern
• • aged ≥ 18 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not fluently speaking any of the nine languages in which PRISMA is offered: German, Albanian, Arabic, English, French, Italian, Romanian, Serbian/ Croatian, Spanish
• • Acute suicidality
• • Not interested in PRISMA and its randomized evaluation