European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Volume 3, 2012

Combining biofeedback and Narrative Exposure Therapy for persistent pain and PTSD in refugees: A pilot study (Article) (Open Access)

Morina N.* , Maier T. , Bryant R. , Knaevelsrud C. , Wittmann L. , Rufer M. , Schnyder U. , Müller J.
  • a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
  • b Psychiatric Services of the Canton St. Gallen-North, Switzerland
  • c School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • d Department of Psychology, Free University Berlin, Germany
  • e Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
  • f Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
  • g Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
  • h Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract

Objective: Many traumatised refugees suffer from both persistent pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To date, no specific guidelines exist for treatment of this group of patients. This paper presents data on a pilot treatment study conducted with 15 traumatised refugees with persistent pain and PTSD. Methods: Participants received 10 sessions of pain-focused treatment with biofeedback (BF) followed by 10 sessions of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). Structured interviews and standardised questionnaires were used to assess symptoms of pain intensity, pain disability, PTSD and quality of life directly before and after treatment and at 3 months follow-up. Results: Following the combined intervention, participants showed a significant reduction in both pain and PTSD symptoms, as well as improved quality of life. Additionally, biofeedback increased motivation for subsequent trauma-focused therapy, which in turn was related to larger PTSD treatment gains. Conclusion: This pilot study provides initial evidence that combining BF and NET is safe, acceptable, and feasible in patients with co-morbid persistent pain and PTSD. © 2012 Naser Morina et al.

Author Keywords

Narrative exposure therapy Refugees Treatment PTSD Biofeedback Persistent pain

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939975682&doi=10.3402%2fejpt.v3i0.17660&partnerID=40&md5=3421262559167e675efcc48732ddc2d1
DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.17660
ISSN: 20008066
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English