RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Treatment of Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Displaced People in Switzerland and Germany

This study is for refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland and Germany who have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). CPTSD is a type of stress disorder that can happen after severe, long-lasting difficult experiences, common in people who have been through trauma like torture. This condition can seriously affect someone's quality of life. The study aims to test different talking therapies that have been specially adapted for people from various cultural backgrounds. These therapies focus on managing emotions, improving self-image, and building better relationships. Researchers want to see how effective these tailored approaches are in reducing CPTSD symptoms and helping people feel better. The therapies being tested are based on a method called Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) combined with elements from Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (ESTAIR). Researchers believe these adapted therapies could be very helpful for this group of people, as evidence suggests trauma-focused therapies like NET can be particularly effective for refugees.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Eva Heim

Enrolment target

288

Start

21 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2030

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a condition called Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or CPTSD for short. This is an updated diagnosis and is different from regular Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPTSD can happen when someone has been through very difficult and long-lasting traumatic experiences, such as torture or war. Sadly, this is quite common among people who have had to leave their home countries, like refugees and asylum seekers.

Living with CPTSD can make daily life very hard, affecting how people feel about themselves, manage their emotions, and relate to others. It can also make it difficult for them to settle into a new country. The good news is that there are therapies that can help. This study is testing special kinds of talking therapy that have been carefully adjusted to fit the cultural backgrounds and unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

The main aim is to see how well these adapted therapies work in reducing the symptoms of CPTSD. The therapies combine a method called Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), which helps people process their traumatic memories, with skills training to improve how they handle emotions, see themselves, and build relationships. By using these culturally sensitive approaches, the researchers hope to find the most effective ways to support people recover from CPTSD.

Key takeaways

The study tests custom-made talking therapies for CPTSD.
It's for refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland and Germany.
Therapies focus on emotions, self-image, and relationships after severe trauma.
No new medications are involved, only psychotherapy.
Participation could help reduce CPTSD symptoms and improve well-being.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a refugee or asylum seeker living in Switzerland or Germany with a valid residence permit. You must also speak Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashtu, Kurdish (any dialect), or Turkish, and your doctor must have recommended psychotherapy for you.

Importantly, you would have already taken part in the first part of this study where you were diagnosed with CPTSD by a therapist. This diagnosis would have been made using special interviews designed to understand trauma and your background.

There are also some reasons why you couldn't join. For example, if you are experiencing severe mental health issues like psychosis, or if there's an immediate risk of you harming yourself. You also can't take part if you have serious problems with alcohol or drugs, are already in another talking therapy, or if you find it hard to understand and follow instructions for the study. If you know you are pregnant, you also wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a refugee or asylum seeker living in Switzerland or Germany?
Do you have a valid residence permit?
Do you speak Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashtu, Kurdish, or Turkish?
Has a doctor recommended psychotherapy for you?
Have you already been diagnosed with CPTSD in the first part of this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves different types of talking therapy sessions. These therapies focus on specific areas: managing emotions, improving your self-image, or building better relationships. You will work with a therapist who has been trained in these methods. The exact number of sessions and the total length of your participation are not detailed here, but the therapies are designed to help with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). You will likely have regular meetings with your therapist and engage in exercises or discussions as part of your therapy. There are no medications tested in this study; it's purely about talking therapies.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of receiving specialised therapy designed to help with CPTSD symptoms, which could improve your overall well-being and quality of life. As with any therapy, there might be some temporary discomfort when discussing difficult experiences, but therapists are trained to support you through this. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (7)

Centra
Verified postcode
Hamburg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
Psychiatrie Basel-Land
Verified postcode
Liestal, Switzerland· Recruiting
Psy4Asyl
Verified postcode
Aarau, Switzerland· Recruiting
UPK Transkulturelle Ambulanz
Verified postcode
Basel, Switzerland· Recruiting
SRK Ambulatorium für Folter- und Kriegsopfer
Verified postcode
Wabern, Switzerland· Not yet recruiting
Appartenances - CPM Lausanne
Verified postcode
Lausanne, Switzerland· Recruiting
Appartenances - CPM Yverdon-les-Bains
Verified postcode
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland· Recruiting

Common questions

What is CPTSD?

CPTSD, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a type of stress disorder that can develop after long-lasting or severe traumatic experiences, like those faced by refugees.

Who is this study for?

This study is for refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland and Germany who have been diagnosed with CPTSD and speak certain languages.

What kind of treatment will I receive?

You will receive special talking therapies that combine Narrative Exposure Therapy with skills training to help manage emotions, build relationships, and improve self-image.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is focused on talking therapies and does not involve taking any new medications.

Can I leave the study if I want to?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Eva Heim

eva.heim@unil.ch +41 21 692 31 75 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.