Psychological support program for forcibly displaced youth
Feasibility and Acceptability of Problem Management Plus With Emotional Processing (PM+EP) for Forcibly Displaced Youth Living in Sweden
This study is testing a new psychological support program for young people who have been forced to leave their homes to see if it helps them feel better compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Trial ID | NCT06878092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a scalable psychological intervention, Problem Management Plus (PM+), and its enhanced version with Emotional Processing (PM+EP) among forcibly displaced youth in Sweden. Participants aged 16 to 25 will be randomized to receive either PM+, PM+EP, or standard care over six weekly sessions. The study will assess psychological symptoms, wellbeing, and service use at baseline, one week post-intervention, and three weeks post-intervention. Recruitment will be conducted through NGOs and community sources in major Swedish cities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 16 to 25 who have been forcibly displaced to Sweden since 2015 and exhibit elevated psychological distress.
Not a fit: Patients with acute medical conditions, imminent suicide risk, or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for forcibly displaced youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using scalable psychological interventions for similar populations, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 16 to 25 year old youth who arrived in Sweden in 2015 or later due to being forcibly displaced; * Elevated levels of psychological distress as determined through the Kessler-10 psychological distress scale (K10; K10 \> 15); * Reduced levels of psychosocial functioning as measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0; WHODAS 2.0 \> 16); * Assessment and manual are available in their preferred language, including Swedish. Exclusion Criteria: * An acute medical condition; * Imminent suicide risk; * Indication of psychotic disorders and substance-dependence; * Indication of severe cognitive or neurological impairment; * Receiving specialized mental health treatment; * In case of current psychotropic medication used: change in dosage during the past two months.
Where this trial is running
Stockholm
- Centrum för stöd och behandling — Stockholm, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aemal Akhtar, PhD
- Email: aemal.akhtar@ki.se
- Phone: +46852483224
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.