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Imagery Rescripting as Treatment for Complicated PTSD in Refugees: A Multiple Baseline Case Series Study

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Abstract

This study tested the effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) for complicated war-related PTSD in refugees. Ten adult patients in long-term supportive care with a primary diagnosis of war-related PTSD and Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PSS) score>20 participated. A concurrent multiple baseline design was used with baseline varying from 6 to 10 weeks, with weekly supportive sessions. After baseline, a 5-week exploration phase followed with weekly sessions during which traumas were explored, without trauma-focused treatment. Then 10 weekly ImRs sessions were given followed by 5-week follow-up without treatment. Results revealed significant linear trends during ImRs (reductions of PSS and BDI scores), but not during the other conditions. The scores during follow-up were stable and significantly lower compared to baseline, with very high effect sizes. In conclusion, results indicate that ImRs is a highly acceptable and effective treatment for this difficult group of patients.

Citation

  • Arntz, A., Sofi, D., & van Breukelen, G. (2013). Imagery rescripting as treatment for complicated PTSD in refugees: a multiple baseline case series study.  Behaviour Research and Therapy,  51(6), 274-283.
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to improve mental health of refugee children and adults?

There is very strong evidence that numerous interventions are effective in improving the mental health of child and adult refugees. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions (TF), and psycho-education (PE) have been shown to improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or general distress in refugee populations. Furthermore, cultural adaptations of these…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Netherlands

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High Income

INTERVENTION DURATION: 10 weeks

INTERVENTION: Mental health and psychosocial support services

OUTCOME AREA: Depression Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reduction

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2013

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