Investigating the Efficacy and Experiences With Narrative Exposure Therapy in Severe Mentally Ill Patients With Comorbid Post

Course overview

Patients with severe mental illness with repeated interpersonal trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a negative illness progression. Traumas are often not treated because of their vulnerability. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective trauma therapy. It is unknown whether NET is effective and tolerable in these patients receiving community mental healthcare. The objectives of this study are (1) to gain insights into patients' experiences before, during, and after NET concerning changes in PTSD, dissociative and severe mental ill symptoms, care needs (CAN), quality of life, and global functioning; and (2) to identify factors that influence diagnostic changes after NET as compared to patients' experiences. These insights will help to decide whether NET should be incorporated in usual care for these patients.