Improving mental health support for refugees through a psychological intervention

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 study focuses on enhancing the Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention, a low-intensity psychological support program designed for refugees and asylum seekers facing mental health challenges. The intervention consists of five sessions that utilize evidence-based techniques such as problem-solving and stress management, delivered by trained non-professionals. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PM+ while incorporating additional booster sessions and homework reminders to improve outcomes. It addresses the barriers refugees face in accessing mental health care, aiming to integrate this intervention into public health systems.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

The inclusion criteria for participating in the study are:

* refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) aged 16 or older;
* residing in one of the participating local sites (Swiss municipalities, namely, Gemeinden, and transitional asylum centers, namely, Durchgangszentren) where PM+ is offered and which gave their consent for participation in the RCT;
* speaking at least one of the following 12 languages: German, English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Tamil, and Pashto;
* obtaining a score of 20 or higher on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10; Kessler et al., 2002), a brief clinically validated screening questionnaire that assesses general psychological distress in the past 30 days. A score equal to or higher than 20 is used as an indication of moderate to high levels of psychological distress.

The exclusion criteria for participating in the study are:

* significant cognitive or neurological impairment measured through specific tools developed by the WHO and integrated into the PM+ manual (impairment questionnaire);
* acute medical conditions or severe mental disorders (e.g., psychotic or substance-abuse disorders) measured through specific tools developed by the WHO and integrated into the PM+ manual (impairment questionnaire);
* acute risk of suicide as measured by the Suicidal Ideation Attribution Scale (SIDAS; van Spijker et al., 2014) and the Thoughts of Suicide Questionnaire (World Health Organization WHO, 2016).

Where it's running

• Klinik für Konsiliarpsychiatrie und Psychosomatik
  Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Naser Morina, PD Dr. — Klinik für Konsiliarpsychiatrie und Psychosomatik
• Study coordinator: Naser Morina, PD Dr.
• Email: naser.morina@usz.ch
• Phone: +41 44 255 5280

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Healing Hearts: A Mindfulness App for Parents Navigating Divorce or Separation

  A online program tests a self-guided mindfulness app for distressed parents going through divorce or separation, to see if it helps parent and child wellbeing.

  Recruiting University of Connecticut · Stamford, Connecticut · NCT07871916

• Positive Psychotherapy and Positive CBT for inmates’ distress and well-being

  This study tests two group-based therapies—Positive Psychotherapy and Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—to see if they reduce distress and improve well-being and coping among incarcerated adults in Pakistan.

  Recruiting Bahria University · Karachi, Sindh and 3 other locations · NCT07853352

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With TBI and PCS

  This study tests whether 40 HBOT sessions can change blood biomarkers in veterans with traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms, and whether PTSD affects those biomarker changes.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness · Boise, Idaho · NCT07849465

• Internet-delivered ACT for youth with PTSD and chronic pain

  A small pilot study will test a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program for teens and young adults with PTSD and chronic pain to see if it helps with symptoms and functioning.

  Recruiting Skane University Hospital · Lund · NCT07813728

• Reboxetine plus Ritalin vs Dog-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

  This study tests whether a drug combo of reboxetine and methylphenidate works better than dog-assisted therapy for people with PTSD.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of Haifa · Haifa · NCT07771530

• CBITS for Pakistani teens: a school-based trauma program

  A school-based group therapy called CBITS is being tested to see if it helps Pakistani adolescents who have experienced trauma feel less distressed and function better.

  Recruiting National University of Modern Languages · Islamabad · NCT07768540

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.