Soldiers deployed in peace-keeping missions as well as ex-combatants in conflict or former conflict regions were and are often exposed to multiple traumatic events and situations in which they are forced to engage in violent behavior. The treatment program Formation, Orientation and Rehabilitation by means of Narrative Exposure Therapy (FORNET) is a short-term, culturally sensitive treatment approach that aims to reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as the risk to engage in uncontrolled violent behavior. Addressing trauma-related mental disorders as well as emotions related to aggression by means of FORNET is expected to facilitate reintegration in civil life and reduce uncontrolled violence. The investigators want to provide evidence, that FORNET is an effective and efficient module to assist soldiers after deployment in Somalia and/or male and female ex-combatants who fought in the civil war in Burundi. In addition the investigators aim to explore how traumatic incidences and maltreatment during childhood may influence treatment outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
56
Burundian Army (FDN)
Bujumbura, Burundi
Change in Diagnosis and load of PTSD symptoms assessed via the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale - Interview (PSS-I)
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
Change from baseline in the extend of appetitive aggression assessed via the Appetitive Aggression Scale (AAS)
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
Change in number of committed violent acts during the past three months assessed via the Domestic and Community Violence Checklist (DCVC)
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
Change from baseline in load of depressive symptoms assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
Change in strength of suicidal ideation measured via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.)
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
Change in physical health complains
Time frame: baseline, two follow-up assessments are planned within the period of 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Exact time of follow-up will be varied systematically within this period.
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