Empowering Narratives

Background: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in forced displacement, with over 80,000 Ukrainian refugees now residing in Norway. This displacement has led to increased vulnerability to trauma and mental health challenges. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a short-term trauma-focused intervention, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms among individuals exposed to organized violence and war. Aim: The protocol aims to assess the clinical effects of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) on PTSD and depression symptoms among Ukrainian refugees in Norway and to facilitate training and supervised practice for Ukrainian health professionals and workers in using NET. Methods: This study employs a pretest-posttest randomized controlled experimental design. Ukrainian health professionals and workers in Norway will receive standardized NET training through a digital course. Subsequently, they will treat Ukrainian refugees using NET under supervision. Participants will be screened and assessed at three time points: baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. Validated questionnaires in Ukrainian and Russian will be used: PHQ-9, ITQ, LEC-5, SHUT-D, and demographic questionnaire. Exclusion criteria include active psychotic spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and concurrent trauma therapy.

NCT Number	NCT07062042
Lead Sponsor	Kristiania University College Collaborators: University of Konstanz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Mental helse, Vårsta Diakoni, Norsk-Ukrainsk hjelpeorganisasjon, The Dam Foundation
Conditions	PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression Disorders, Dissociation, Refugee
Enrollment	50 participants
Start Date	2025-03-01
Primary Completion	2025-12-20 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-04-20 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-08-17