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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07672613

EMDR Flash Group Protocol for Earthquake Survivors

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the preliminary effects of the online EMDR Flash Group Protocol among adults affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol or a waitlist control group. The primary outcome was change in posttraumatic stress symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

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Key information

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Acute Stress Disorder Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Mental Disorders Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Galata University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 2023 affected millions of people and were associated with substantial psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Early psychological interventions may help reduce acute distress and improve posttraumatic outcomes following disaster exposure.

This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted approximately one month after the earthquakes. Adults affected by the disaster were recruited online and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the EMDR Flash Group Protocol intervention or a waitlist control condition. The intervention was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals using a standardized protocol consisting of two group sessions.

The primary objective was to evaluate the preliminary effects of the EMDR Flash Group Protocol on posttraumatic stress symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate changes in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Outcomes were assessed using self-report measures at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

This study was conducted as a pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention following a large-scale natural disaster.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 years or older
  • Present in the earthquake-affected region during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes
  • Directly experienced the earthquake or were affected through disaster-related exposure
  • Ability to participate in online sessions
  • Access to the necessary technological equipment and internet connection
  • Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Intellectual disability
  • Current or past psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • History of severe head trauma
  • Inability to participate in the online intervention format

Treatment and study plan

EMDR Flash Group Protocol

Behavioral

The EMDR Flash Group Protocol was delivered online via Zoom by trained mental health professionals. The intervention consisted of two group sessions lasting approximately 60-90 minutes and was administered approximately one month after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in PTSD Symptoms (PCL-5 Total Score)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

    Change in posttraumatic stress symptom severity measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) total score from baseline to 3-month follow-up.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Depression Symptoms (DASS-21 Depression)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

    Change in depression symptom severity measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Depression subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.

  2. Change in Anxiety Symptoms (DASS-21 Anxiety)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

    Change in anxiety symptom severity measured by the DASS-21 Anxiety subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.

  3. Change in Stress Symptoms (DASS-21 Stress)

    Time frame: Assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3-month follow-up.

    Change in depression symptom severity measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Depression subscale from baseline to 3-month follow-up.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Galata University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Preliminary Effects of an Early EMDR Flash Group Intervention on Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: FlashGP-EQ

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Jun 29, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 29, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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