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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00480480

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Group Treatment With War-Exposed Bosnian Adolescents

Context: This is the first multi-site randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of a group treatment for war-exposed adolescents delivered in-country within a public school system.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a trauma/grief-focused group treatment program in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic grief in war-exposed Bosnian youths attending 10 secondary schools located in Central Bosnia.

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Key information

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Grief (Traumatic Grief and Existential Grief) Mental Disorders Prolonged Grief Disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders Wounds and Injuries

Age range

14 year–19 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Design: A randomized controlled trial conducted during the 2000-2001 school year, with 4-month follow-up, compared group treatment to a psychoeducation/skill-based school milieu intervention.

Setting and Participants: Students attending 10 Bosnian secondary schools exposed to severe trauma, traumatic loss, and severe adversity, reporting severe persisting symptoms of PTSD, depression, or traumatic grief, and functional impairment.

Intervention: Students were randomly assigned to either 17-session Trauma and Grief Component Therapy (n=71), or a school milieu intervention (n=73), both conducted by trained school counselors.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Significant trauma exposure before, during, or after the war (e.g., serious physical injury, life threat, witnessing death or serious injury, traumatic bereavement);
  • Significant current distress, especially severe persisting symptoms of PTSD, depression, or traumatic grief;
  • Significant functional impairment in family or peer relationships and school performance

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute risk status (e.g., suicidal plans and intent)
  • Psychosis
  • Severe substance abuse (severe enough to interfere with engagement in treatment).

Treatment and study plan

Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (Group Version)

Behavioral

Primary outcomes

  1. UCLA PTSD Reaction Index

    Time frame: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 4-month follow-up

  2. Depression Self-Rating Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 4-month follow-up

  3. UCLA Grief Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment, post-treatment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cognitive Distortions Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment and post-treatment

  2. War Exposure Index

    Time frame: Pre-treatment (screening survey)

  3. Post-War Adversities Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment (screening survey)

  4. Trauma Reminder Screening Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment (screening survey)

  5. Loss Reminder Screening Scale

    Time frame: Pre-treatment (screening survey)

  6. Youth Outcome Questionnaire (Somatic and Interpersonal Problems Subscales)

    Time frame: Pre- and post-treatment

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Brigham Young University

Other

Collaborators

  • UNICEF

Registry information

Official study title

Long-Term Post- War Adjustment in Bosnian Adolescents, Their Parents and Teachers

Important dates

Study start
2000
Study completion
2001
First posted
May 31, 2007
Registry last updated
May 31, 2007

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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