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The effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy with traumatised firefighters in Saudi Arabia: a randomized controlled study

Alghamdi, Mohammed; Hunt, Nigel; Thomas, Shirley

Authors

Mohammed Alghamdi

Nigel Hunt



Abstract

Firefighters are exposed to many traumatic events. The psychological costs of this exposure increase the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. This study examined the effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) as a short-term treatment for reducing PTSD symptoms among Saudi firefighters. A randomized waiting-list control study was conducted with 34 traumatized firefighters were randomly allocated to NET or Waiting-list Control (WLC). The NET group received four therapy sessions of 60–90 min over a three-week period; those in the WLC condition received the same sessions after a three-week waiting period. Participants in both groups were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention and at 3 and 6 month follow ups. NET led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression compared with WLC. After the WLC group received treatment, it showed the same improvements as the NET group. This occurred immediately post-treatment in both groups, but was not sustained at 3 and 6 month follow ups. Coping strategies and social support led to significant changes only in follow up times. NET was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in traumatised Saudi firefighters. This finding could be helpful in the management of PTSD among people who work as first responders such as firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personal, as well as security officers.

Citation

Alghamdi, M., Hunt, N., & Thomas, S. (2015). The effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy with traumatised firefighters in Saudi Arabia: a randomized controlled study. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 66, 64-71. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2015.01.008

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 25, 2015
Online Publication Date Feb 4, 2015
Publication Date Mar 1, 2015
Deposit Date Jun 29, 2018
Print ISSN 0005-7967
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 66
Pages 64-71
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.01.008
Keywords FirefighterExposureNarrativePTSDTherapy
Public URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.01.008
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796715000157?via%3Dihub