Comparing EMDR and CBT for PTSD in earthquake survivors
Comparison of EMDR Therapy and CBT for PTSD Symptoms Following the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works better to help earthquake survivors in Turkey with PTSD feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 99 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Nisantasi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (İstanbul, Maslak) |
| Trial ID | NCT06758362 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in reducing PTSD symptoms among individuals affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey. A total of 108 participants diagnosed with PTSD will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: EMDR therapy, CBT therapy, or a control group. Each participant will attend weekly, one-on-one, 50-minute online therapy sessions over 24 weeks, with PTSD symptoms assessed at four time points. The goal is to determine which therapy provides better outcomes for reducing PTSD symptoms in earthquake survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 years who have been diagnosed with PTSD and resided in the earthquake-affected region.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing psychotherapy or using psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could identify the more effective therapy for alleviating PTSD symptoms, leading to improved mental health outcomes for survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with both EMDR and CBT for PTSD, making this comparison valuable but not entirely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria * Minimum Age: 18 Years * Maximum Age: 65 Years * Sex: All * Gender Based: No * Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-65 years. * Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on the PTSD ---Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). * Resided in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake-affected region during the disaster. * No current psychiatric medication or ongoing psychotherapy. * No history of psychiatric disorders that may interfere with PTSD treatment (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance-related disorders). * Ability to attend weekly, one-on-one, 50-minute online therapy sessions for 24 weeks. * Provided written informed consent and psychiatric clearance for study participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals currently undergoing psychotherapy or using psychiatric medications. * Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance-related disorders, or other psychiatric conditions that may interfere with treatment. * Inability to commit to 24 weeks of therapy sessions or attend sessions online. * Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation in therapy. * Failure to provide written informed consent or psychiatric clearance.
Where this trial is running
İstanbul, Maslak
- Nişantaşı University — İstanbul, Maslak, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd
- Email: metincinaroglu@gmail.com
- Phone: 09053247320
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.