Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Trained Lay Counsellors in an African Refugee Settlement

Talking About Traumatic Events - A Randomized Controlled Dissemination Study of the Treatment of PTSD in an African Refugee Settlement

The study is a pragmatic trial to study the efficacy of two active methods of psychotherapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in a refugee camp in Africa. Treatment was administered by lay counsellors.

Traumatic stress due to conflict and war causes major mental health problems in many resource-poor countries, especially those coping with displaced populations. There is a lack of intervention research in these populations.

Te purpose of this study was to examine whether trained lay counsellors can carry out effective treatment of PTSD in a refugee settlement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Drug abuse
• Psychosis
• Mental retardation