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. 2012:3.
doi: 10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.17660. Epub 2012 Jun 25.

Combining biofeedback and Narrative Exposure Therapy for persistent pain and PTSD in refugees: a pilot study

Naser Morina  1 , Thomas Maier, Richard Bryant, Christine Knaevelsrud, Lutz Wittmann, Michael Rufer, Ulrich Schnyder, Julia Müller
Affiliations

Combining biofeedback and Narrative Exposure Therapy for persistent pain and PTSD in refugees: a pilot study

Naser Morina et al. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2012.

Retraction in

  • Retraction note.
    Morina N. Morina N. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2013 Jul 19;4. doi: 10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.21913. Print 2013. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2013. PMID: 23882316 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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.

Keywords: Narrative Exposure Therapy; PTSD; Refugees; biofeedback; persistent pain; treatment.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Changes over time of observed variables at four time points (time course). Note: VRS, Verbal Rating Scale; PDI, Pain Disability Index; CAPS, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale; QoL, Eurohis Quality of Life. Brackets indicating standard deviations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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