EMDR therapy for police officers dealing with trauma and stress
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Stress, Psychological Trauma and Suicidal Ideation in Police Personnel: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial
NA · Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning · NCT05171868
This study is testing if EMDR therapy can help police officers in Pakistan deal with trauma and stress, and if it can also lower thoughts of suicide.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Peshawar, KPK) |
| Trial ID | NCT05171868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the feasibility of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for psychological trauma and stress among police officers in Pakistan. It aims to determine if reducing these symptoms can also decrease suicidal ideation in this population. The study will involve 80 police officers who will be randomized into either an EMDR intervention group or a waiting list control group, receiving eight weekly sessions of EMDR therapy. Participants' experiences with the intervention will also be explored, and assessments will be conducted before and after the treatment period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are police officers aged 18 to 60 who experience suicidal ideation and psychological trauma.
Not a fit: Patients with less than 12 months of experience as police officers or those with severe mental illness that prevents consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective therapeutic option for police officers suffering from trauma and stress, potentially reducing suicidal thoughts.
How similar studies have performed: While EMDR has been proven effective in various settings, this specific application in forensic settings in Pakistan is novel and has limited prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having suicidal ideation measured as a score \> 2 on Beck scale of suicidal ideation * Aged 18 years - 60 years' old * Police officer with psychological trauma measured with the International Trauma Questionnaire and stress measured with stress subscale of Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 12 months' experience in the police officer. * Participants reporting active suicidal ideation measured as a score of 2 on item no 4 of BSSI will be excluded and referred to a psychiatric service. * With current history of use of hard/psychoactive substances (excluding tobacco and caffeine). * Unable to provide consent due to severe mental or physical illness. * Unlikely to be available for the entire duration of the study.
Where this trial is running
Peshawar, KPK
- Prison settings Peshawar — Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nusrat Husain — University of Manchester
- Study coordinator: MUQADDAS ASIF
- Email: muqaddas.asif@pill.org.pk
- Phone: 042-35842310
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.
Conditions: Suicidal Ideation, Psychological Trauma, Stress, Forensic settings, EMDR, Trauma, Police Personnel, Pakistan