Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Aggressive Behavior in Soldiers and Ex-combatants

University of Konstanz

Status: Completed

Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Aggressive Behavior; Appetitive Aggression

Treatments: Behavioral: FORNET

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02242136

UKULBU2014

Details and patient eligibility

About

Soldiers deployed in peace-keeping missions as well as ex-combatants in conflict or former conflict regions were and are often exposed to multiple traumatic events and situations in which they are forced to engage in violent behavior. The treatment program Formation, Orientation and Rehabilitation by means of Narrative Exposure Therapy (FORNET) is a short-term, culturally sensitive treatment approach that aims to reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as the risk to engage in uncontrolled violent behavior. Addressing trauma-related mental disorders as well as emotions related to aggression by means of FORNET is expected to facilitate reintegration in civil life and reduce uncontrolled violence.

The investigators want to provide evidence, that FORNET is an effective and efficient module to assist soldiers after deployment in Somalia and/or male and female ex-combatants who fought in the civil war in Burundi. In addition the investigators aim to explore how traumatic incidences and maltreatment during childhood may influence treatment outcomes.

Enrollment: 56 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• High degree of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder according to the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale,
• High degree of appetitive aggression,
• Violent behavior during the past three months

Exclusion criteria

• Current use of mind altering drugs,
• Psychotic symptoms

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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56 participants in 2 patient groups

FORNET

Experimental group

Description:

During FORNET, the client, with the assistance of the therapist, constructs a chronological narrative of his or her entire life with a focus on exposure to traumatic stress and committed violence. Empathic understanding, active listening, congruency and unconditional positive regard are key components of the therapist's behavior. The therapist asks in detail for the client's emotions, cognitions, physiological reactions, and sensory informations during traumatic and aggressive events to link them to an autobiographical context, namely time and place. In total the individuals receive 8 sessions of FORNET, every session lasting between 1,5 and 2 hrs depending on the needs of the participant.

Treatment:

Behavioral: FORNET

Waiting list

No Intervention group