Comparing EMDR therapy with standard treatment for trauma in schizophrenia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as an additional treatment for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) who have experienced trauma. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EMDR therapy alongside standard treatment or standard treatment alone, with assessments conducted before, during, and after the therapy. The study aims to determine if EMDR can significantly reduce trauma symptoms and improve overall functioning in this patient population. Additionally, it seeks to identify factors that may influence the effectiveness of EMDR in treating trauma symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. aged ≥ 16 years
2. diagnosis of F20-29 in the ICD-10 assessed using SCID 5 CV
3. reporting trauma \> 1 month prior to assessment
4. being currently distressed by the reported trauma(s), i.e., ≥ 5 (from 0 = not at all, to 10 = extremely) on item 21c on the Trauma and Life Events Checklist (TALE)
5. able and motivated for engaging in trauma focused (TF) therapy
6. able to understand and give informed consent; consent capacity for psychological treatment choices and consent to study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. primary diagnosis of substance use/alcohol dependence
2. inability to understand spoken Norwegian
3. organic psychosis or a neurological disorder
4. acute state of psychosis defined as:

   1. hospitalized in an acute ward the last 6 weeks or
   2. major change in antipsychotic medication type or started/stopped antipsychotic medication last 6 weeks or
   3. other mental health crises last 6 weeks
5. current or previous (past 6 months) TF therapy

Where it's running

• Haukeland University Hospital
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting
• Betanien DPS
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting
• Solli DPS
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting
• Voss DPS Bjørkeli
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting
• Helse Fonna HF
  Haugesund, Norway Recruiting
• Diakonhjemmet Hospital
  Oslo, Norway Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Else-Marie Løberg, PhD, Professor
• Email: else.marie.loberg@helse-bergen.no
• Phone: 4798094420

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.