Trauma-Focused Therapy for Refugee Minors with PTSD in Greece
Implementation, Cultural Adaptation, and Efficacy Evaluation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in Greece
This study is testing if a special therapy for trauma can help unaccompanied refugee teens in Greece with PTSD feel better compared to the usual treatment they receive.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Panteion University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens) |
| Trial ID | NCT06975280 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) compared to Treatment-as-Usual (TAU) for unaccompanied refugee minors aged 15-18 in Greece who are experiencing PTSD. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the TF-CBT intervention group or the TAU control group, with assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three months later using standardized psychometric tools. The study aims to adapt TF-CBT to the Greek cultural context and provide guidelines for its implementation, addressing the urgent need for effective mental health interventions for this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are unaccompanied minors aged 15-18 residing in accommodation centers or Supported Independent Living programs in Greece with a diagnosis of PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients with intellectual disabilities, acute suicidality, or significant comorbid psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve overall mental health for unaccompanied refugee minors.
How similar studies have performed: While TF-CBT has been effective in other populations, this is the first randomized controlled trial assessing its efficacy specifically for unaccompanied refugee minors in Greece.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be unaccompanied upon arrival in Greece and aged between 15-18 years old. * Being diagnosed with PTSD based on DSM-5 criteria. Young refugees with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as delineated by high or moderate trauma-related distress in the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), will also be eligible to participate in the study. * Reside in an accommodation center or SIL program for UAMs in Greece. * Have a stable living arrangement for at least 2-3 weeks prior to the intervention. * Not be expected to relocate within the 2-3 months following the start of the intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * a diagnosed intellectual disability (IQ \< 70) or another developmental disorder * acute suicidality or life-threatening self-harm behavior * significant risk of harm to others * comorbidity with bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder * substance abuse.
Where this trial is running
Athens
- General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Ministry of Migration and Asylum — Athens, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Theodora Anastasiou, PhD candidate
- Email: theodanastasiou@gmail.com
- Phone: +306942883681
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.