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.
Self-reported disability among recently resettled refugees in the United States: Results from the national annual survey of refugees
The prevalence rates and correlates of mental or physical disability among recently resettled refugees, who undergo strenuous journeys before arriving in the US, remain unknown,