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

Launched by EVA HEIM · Jun 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment approach for people who have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), particularly among refugees and asylum seekers living in Switzerland. CPTSD can develop after experiencing severe and prolonged trauma, such as torture or violence, which many refugees face. The trial aims to see if a specially adapted therapy, combining different techniques, can help reduce the symptoms of CPTSD in this population.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be refugees or asylum seekers with a valid residence permit in Switzerland and must speak one of the following languages: Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Kurdish, or Turkish. They should also have been diagnosed with CPTSD and be able to provide informed consent. Participants can expect to engage in therapy sessions that are tailored to their cultural background and experiences. This trial is important because it seeks to provide effective treatment options for a vulnerable group that often struggles to get the help they need.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Informed consent signature
• • Refugees and asylum seekers with a valid residence permit (N, F, B, or C status in Switzerland)
• • Speaking one of the four mentioned languages (Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Kurdish, and Turkish)
• • A psychotherapy is indicated and was prescribed
• • Participated to the part 1 of the study and was diagnosed with CPTSD on the basis of the standard ITI and the SCSA. The diagnosis is done based on the clinical judgement by the local therapist.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Acute psychosis
• • Imminent risk of suicide
• • Severe alcohol and/or substance abuse
• • Being enrolled in another psychotherapy
• • Inability to follow study procedures (i.e., cognitive impairment)
• • Inability to give informed consent
• • Known pregnancy