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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01625117

Mental Health and Aggression in Congolese Ex-combatants

The purpose of this study is examine, whether a treatment approach, which is specifically tailored for perpetrators who have participated in violence (a variant of Narrative Exposure Therapy) is effective in the reduction of instrumental aggression and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

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Key information

Conditions

Appetitive Aggression Mental Disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

16 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 2

Primary location

Reintegration camp for ex-combatants

Goma, Republic of the Congo

About this study

The reintegration of former child soldiers and ex-combatants is a big challenge in war-torn countries. Former child soldiers and ex-combatants often suffer from mental health problems and show enhanced levels of aggression. The present study focuses on the reduction of appetitive aggression and the improvement of mental health in former child soldiers and ex-combatants in DR Congo.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Ex-combatants in Congo who live in a re-integration camp

Treatment and study plan

A variant of Narrative Exposure Therapy

Behavioral

During the proposed therapy, the client constructs a chronological narrative of his or her whole life which includes all traumatic experiences and perpetrated violent acts. All emotions, cognitions, sensory information, and physiological reactions are activated and linked to the autobiographical context.In five sessions the therapist and the client try to go through all important traumatic experiences and perpetrated violent acts. The sixth session is a group session with four to five clients. The group session is oriented on Interpersonal Psychotherapy and focuses on the role change from soldier to civilian.

Primary outcomes

  1. Appetitive aggression (Appetitive Aggression Scale)

    Time frame: 6 months

  2. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, PDS)

    Time frame: 6 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Symptoms of depression (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview)

    Time frame: 6 months

  2. Functionality (Work and Social Adjustment Scale)

    Time frame: 6 months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Konstanz

Other

Collaborators

  • German Research Foundation

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2012
Study completion
2012
First posted
Jun 21, 2012
Registry last updated
Jun 26, 2013

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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